— Blames Imran for scrapping IMF deal and violent protests
— calls President Erdogan, felicitates on re-election
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday said Imran Niazi had a role in deepening economic challenges of Pakistan as he scrapped the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and his non-stop agitation, long marches and sit-ins caused economic and political instability.
In a tweet on the social media platform Twitter, he said, “Looks like Imran Niazi’s understanding of the economy and the broader environment in which it operates is quite limited. He also conveniently forgets his own role in deepening economic challenges. From scrapping the IMF deal, he has always wished Pakistan to default.”
“This is in addition to the adverse impact his politics of non-stop agitation, long marches, and dharna has had on the economy in terms of causing political instability. Even Pakistani investors would shy away from investing their capital in such an unstable environment deliberately created by Imran Niazi. The terrible events of May 9 alone have cost the economy billions of rupees & are an irrefutable endorsement of his nefarious designs. This is not to mention the plethora of corruption cases he is involved in,” he noted.
He further said, “Yes, we do face the economic challenges but the doomsday scenario is past us. Sincere efforts are being made to address the challenges through economic belt-tightening and timely policy interventions. We are also working with friends and partners to bridge the financing gaps where needed.”
“The real challenge for us is to reduce our dependence on imports and bring down inflation, which is possible when we make exports, investment and productivity the engine of the economy. This is where our efforts are headed,” he concluded.
PM calls President Erdogan, felicitates on re-election
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday telephoned President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan and congratulated him on his re-election and expressed best wishes for him.
Talking to President Erdogan, the PM said,”Your re-election is a recognition of your association with the people of Turkiye and impeccable service.”
President Erdogan won the re-election by securing 52.16 per cent of votes against the candidate of combined opposition in the presidential election held on May 28.
In his remarks, Shehbaz Sharif said, “In the last two decades, under your leadership, Turkiye made remarkable progress. I believe that under your wise and sagacious leadership Turkiye will continue its journey on the path of progress and prosperity with the same pace.”
“I am certain that Turkiye will play a more effective role for the peace and stability in the Islamic world,” he said adding,
“Your personal interest in further solidifying and deepening the special relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye is a source of strength and satisfaction”.
He said his government was determined to work with President Erdogan to further solidify the bilateral brotherly ties between the two countries in the coming days.
“We are desirous of early holding of the seventh meeting of the Strategic Cooperative Council of the two countries,” the prime minister said, adding, “We are eager to welcome you on your arrival in Pakistan for participation in the meeting.”
He told President Erdogan that his participation in the meeting would further promote the strategic cooperation of the two brotherly countries in multidimensional fields.
The newly elected President of Turkiye thanked the prime minister and reciprocated the warm sentiments of goodwill.
President Erdogan also expressed his best wishes for the government and people of Pakistan.
