Webdesk: On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed “condemnable” rumors that Pakistan had trade links with Israel, saying Pakistan will “stick to its stance until Palestinians get their rights”.
At his party’s Parliament House meeting, he criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for leveling “serious allegations” against his administration and countries aiding Pakistan in difficult times.
The Foreign Office and Commerce Ministry dismissed social media rumors that the administration had restarted trading with Israel.
PM Shehbaz told the parliamentary committee that the rumors “unfounded” and “condemnable” and that the government will maintain its no-trade policy with Israel until Palestinians are granted their rights.
“What does one businessman have to do with the government of Pakistan’s policy?” he said.
Reputation “At risk”
He further added that the PTI head accused China and Saudi Arabia, which are friends to Pakistan and help in times of need.
“The former ruler has spoken ill of friendly countries,” he said. “Serious allegations made against China’s projects as Imran and his aides alleged 45% corruption in Chinese projects, and demanded audits. This obviously led to various projects coming to a halt and souring relations.”
“I cannot tell you what said about China in private meetings,” the premier added.
“China invested $30 billion in the country, yet false accusations made against the same helper. Along with the rollover given by the state banks in China, they have given us Rs2 billion recently to assist the country. We currently owe China Rs450 billion. Any other country would have taken us to an international court by now,” he said.
PM Shehbaz added that the dismissed prime minister had “put the country’s reputation at stake” and was harming relations with foreign nations.
Fiscal fix
The prime minister also noted the country’s “dire” state and offered to help resolve its challenges under PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s “guidance” during the meeting.
“We have always brought the country out of difficult situations,” he added, adding that while the situation is “dire,” his party’s aims are “clear” and it will improve.
“The IMF has tied the government’s hands and feet. We have accepted the conditions that the outgoing administration made and are currently discussing the final conditions,” the PML-N president said of the IMF review.
He then blamed the ousted Imran-led administration for inflation, a “economic quagmire,” and intimidating judges.
“The previous government’s IMF program caused inflation,” he remarked.
“Imran Khan signed the IMF programme on strict conditions and then violated the programme and suspended it,” he said, accusing Khan of “conspiring to ruin” it.
“He conspired with his people to persuade KP and Punjab chief ministers to reject the IMF deal.”
The Premier also thanked friendly nations for aiding Pakistan and said the fiscal issue was multi-faceted.
He said the federal government alone gave Rs100 billion to flood victims.
PM Shehbaz also criticised the PTI-era economy.
He stated everything was more expensive, the rupee devalued substantially, the IMF agreement was broken, and CPEC projects were hampered.
Bashes IK
The prime minister accused the PTI chief of “lying to and cheating the nation” over the Toshakhana gift.
“We have sacrificed politics to save the country,” he added, adding that once Pakistan is saved, all will be okay.
He told the assembly that the country had enough wheat.
“A few months ago, there were rumors that we were out of wheat. That was a lie. We have been well-prepared.”
Premier Shehbaz stated that the former government was unprepared and ran out of wheat before its removal.
“We created a massive Punjab program to help 10 crore people and distribute free meals. Other provinces also help. Management will improve the problem.”
