Pakistan's growth path set after tough economic period: PM.

Davos -- Acknowledging that people in Pakistan are 'hurting' under his government's economic stabilisation programme, Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday said that their country is on path to growth and hoped that the year 2020 will bring economic stability and job opportunities.

Imran said this while addressing the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.

'People are hurting. We have gone through this very tough period,' he told the audience, adding that the economy has now been stabilised. 'This year we are looking towards economic growth.'

Recalling that his government had inherited the 'worst economic crisis' in the country's history, the premier said he has never had to face the kind of 'public attitude' that he encountered in the last one year due to the tough economic decisions taken by the government.

Recounting how militancy took root in Pakistan since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the premier said: 'You cannot make your economy grow unless and until there is peace and stability.'

He said that his government had decided upon coming into power that, 'From now onwards, Pakistan will only partner with another country in peace. We will not become part of any other conflict.'

In line with that policy, he said Pakistan has tried to ease tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as Iran and the United States. In addition, 'it is the nearest we are to some sort of a peaceful solution in Afghanistan', the prime minister said.

Talking about Pakistan's strategic location, the premier highlighted the trade potential among the regional countries. 'The moment Pakistan and India's relationship becomes normal and trade starts between the two countries', immense opportunities for growth will emerge, he said.

Prime Minister Imran said Pakistan has not been able to fulfil its potential because of the way governance deteriorated in the country. 'From now on my government's biggest challenge is how we can improve our state institutions so we can improve our governance so we can tap our potential,' he told the audience.

The premier explained about his government's tree plantation campaign, which he said was expanded across the country after seeing its success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the government aims to plant 10 billion trees in the next four years to deal with the consequences of climate change.

Prime Minister Imran said forestation was crucial because not only is Pakistan vulnerable to global warming but because...