ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong optimism regarding the resolution of pending tax cases worth Rs 400 billion, citing a recent Sindh High Court ruling that granted a significant relief of Rs 23 billion to the government. He emphasized that these legal victories would contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s financial stability. Addressing a recent cabinet meeting, Shehbaz highlighted the government’s strides in economic reforms and governance improvements over the past year. Notably, he pointed out the successful implementation of e-governance, the digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the remarkable improvement in foreign exchange reserves, which surged from a precarious $4 billion to a much healthier $12 billion. Despite these achievements, Shehbaz acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which he described as “bottomless pits” due to their cumulative losses amounting to Rs850 billion. He stressed the urgent need for structural overhauls within these entities to enhance efficiency and curb financial wastage. Discussing Pakistan’s economic trajectory, the premier reiterated that the elimination of terrorism was crucial for attracting investment. He asserted that once security concerns were addressed, Pakistan would regain its lost economic stature on the global stage. He also underscored that for the first time in Pakistan’s history, all state institutions were aligned and working collectively towards national prosperity. Shehbaz drew attention to the dire economic situation when his government assumed office, warning that Pakistan had been on the brink of financial collapse. However, through strategic measures and policy execution, his administration managed to steer the economy towards stability, avoiding a potential default. He commended his cabinet and government officials for their…