ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Monday that Pakistan will receive its first tranche of $1.1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July this year.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, the premier expressed his hope that this would be the last time the country approaches the international lender.
PM Shehbaz commended the finance ministry for finalizing the agreement with the IMF and acknowledged China’s assistance prior to the IMF deal. He also highlighted the support pledged by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with each country promising $2 billion and $1 billion respectively. The premier acknowledged the vital role played by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in this regard.
Solution to Pakistan’s Challenges
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the current government would strive to find solutions to the challenges faced by the country over the past 15 months. He stressed the importance of political unity, stating that significant development could be achieved over a span of 20 years if collaboration is maintained, regardless of the ruling party.
Pakistan Asks Swedish Govt to Take Against Desecration of Holy Quran
During the Cabinet meeting, the prime minister asked the Swedish government to take strict action against the desecration of the Holy Quran. He expressed satisfaction over the emergency meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in response to this issue and condemned the sacrilegious act, urging that those responsible be brought to justice.
PM Shehbaz also expressed delight over the surge in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), stating that the journey to progress was continuing from where former premier Nawaz Sharif had left off. He congratulated the nation and the business community as the KSE-100 Index, the country’s main market benchmark, reached a significant milestone during Monday’s trading.
The prime minister attributed the rise to renewed investor confidence, describing it as a dawn after a period of despair. He reiterated the commitment to follow Nawaz Sharif’s vision of development, progress, and people’s prosperity.
