Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar says the International Monetary Fund has appreciated Pakistan’s crackdown against illegal currency trade, which helped address artificial instability of currency.
In an interview with PTV News in New York, he said our reform agenda includes increasing tax net, privatization as well as power sector reforms. He said this has developed confidence in international financial institutions and they are now optimistic about Pakistan’s economic stability.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan and the IMF are on the same page vis à vis grant of subsidies to the underprivileged segments of the society.
To a question regarding aid pledges to Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said pledges of almost ten billion dollars were made in the aftermath of floods in the country. We will ensure that these are converted into tangible resources to be used for rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood affected areas.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Pakistan has deep rooted relations with China. We also have diversified relations with the United States and other western countries.
He said the West should know that India which sits in its strategic lap to leverage against China, has trade ties with China as well so it will be very unrealistic expectation from Pakistan to have its relations with one country at the cost of the other.
The Prime Minister categorically stated that Pakistan will develop, design and exhibit its foreign relations in independent spheres.
About the India-Canada rift, the Prime Minister said the objective standing of India’s image has collapsed following the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He condemned that India murdered humanity on Canadian soil by killing an innocent man.
The Prime Minister said we will raise this issue not for the purpose of propaganda against India but to expose the fascism lying under the shrouds of Hindutva. He said we want to make the world realize the pervasiveness of this phenomenon and its ability to engulf the entire region in the flames of hatred and conflict.
The Prime Minister said we have already discussed the issue with the UN Secretary General and the impacts of Hindutva politics on the whole region including in Balochistan where credible evidence has proved India’s involvement in terror activities.
Regarding the resurgence of TTP and Daesh activities, he expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is a success story as it successfully dismantled the terrorist infrastructure. He said Pakistan is proud of its capable security forces and is in close coordination and open communication with the regional countries to counter this threat.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the caretaker government’s focus will be extending support to Election Commission to conduct free, fair and transparent elections and make elaborate arrangements for this purpose.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that during his address to the UN General Assembly session today, he will touch upon various issues including climate change, Islamophobia, Pakistan’s economic revival plan especially the initiatives being taken under Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
