ISLAMAABD -UNS: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday took the nation into confidence over deal with International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Addressing a press conference in Governor House Lahore, Shehbaz also talked about the economic revival plan of Pakistan as he said that everyone would have to put efforts for uplifting the country.
“Debts and loans are not the solution as we have to get rid of them and focus on our own domestic resources,” said the prime minister.
He added that all the institutions including judiciary, parliament and defense institutions will have to put their efforts jointly to make Pakistan a strong country economically.
“We have to bring investment from the gulf countries and we’ll now focus on the agricultural sector to create employment opportunities. Pakistan is full of natural resources and we’ll give four million employment opportunities by using them,” said the PM.
Talking about the IMF deal, Shehbaz Sharif said, “Pakistan has managed to get $3 billion after a hectic exercise and meetings in Paris turned out to be the turning point. We have gotten a crippling economy when we take the charge and attempts are being made to halt the agreement with IMF.”
Finance Ministers of two provinces refused to write letter to the IMF and it was meant to default the country but Almighty helped us and now we have secured the deal, Shehbaz added.
Shehbaz Sharif said during the last three months China helped Pakistan significantly by providing about $5 billion and saved the country from default.
He also appreciated Saudi Arabia, UAE, Islamic Development Bank and other friendly countries for their generous help during critical time.
The prime minister said that the PTI government breached the deal with IMF. The prime minister said incumbent government had signed an agreement for LNG import with Azerbaijan at cheaper rate and it would benefit the country.
He said during the last one year, incumbent government signed agreements for import of wheat, fertilizer and energy on discounted rate and benefited the country.
Dar terms IMF deal big success
Speaking to media after PM, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar termed agreement with International Monetary Fund a big success.
He also lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his efforts for successful agreement with IMF.
Dar said Pakistan would receive one billion dollars soon after Funds Board meeting on 12th of next month.
Ishaq Dar categorically rejected the rumors of default of Pakistan and expressed his resolve to gain Pakistan’s position again on 24th economic position. He said only mines potential of the country is six thousand billion dollars.
