THIS is apropos the news item ‘Minister sees no decline in joblessness’ (June 9). At least there is one leader in the PML-N who is willing to speak the truth and come out with facts. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal contradicted the finance minister’s claim of the reduction in unemployment figure to 6pc. He also contested the finance ministry’s assessment that 2.5m jobs would be created next year.

While disagreeing with their forecast, he stated that a growth of 7pc is needed to achieve this goal, keeping in view the population growth. He stressed that unemployment and growth are closely linked and cannot be separated.

I wish we had other leaders in the PML-N government like Mr Iqbal who have the courage to tell the truth.

A. Majeed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play