Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday expressed hope for the finalization of a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saying the good news was expected this month.
In an interview with Anadolu News Agency, he emphasized that his government had met all the conditionalities set by the IMF, including prior actions that were required to be completed before the board’s approval.
PM Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the numerous problems faced by Pakistan since April 2022 when his government assumed power following the no-trust vote against former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He attributed these challenges to the policies of the previous government, stating that the country was on the brink of default due to violations of the IMF agreement and a struggling economy.
The devastating floods in August 2022 and the impact of galloping inflation exacerbated the situation, he added.
Addressing the May 9 vandalism incident, the prime minister accused Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, of inciting violence and planning a serious act against the state.
He alleged that Imran Khan had prepared his supporters to react violently if he were to be arrested.
The prime minister asserted that evidence beyond any doubt existed, stating that Khan’s supporters were instructed to attack institutions, torch buildings, and desecrate graves and monuments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that those responsible for attacking civilian installations would be tried under civilian law, while those who attacked military installations and desecrated institutions would face trial under the Military Act.
He clarified that defendants convicted under the Military Act had the right to two appeals, first in the high court and then in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
He reiterated that the aim of this process was to ensure justice and prevent similar acts from occurring in the future.
Drawing a parallel to the January 6, 2021 incident at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the prime minister questioned whether any civilized country would tolerate such vandalism against the state.
He noted that the perpetrators in the United States were being tried and given severe punishments to prevent such acts from happening again.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to the people of Turkey on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s reelection, describing it as a “wonderful development.”
He expressed his eagerness to work closely with President Erdogan, emphasizing the strong bond between the two countries.
The prime minister expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral relations in terms of brotherhood, understanding, and economic cooperation. He highlighted the potential for increased collaboration in areas such as biogas, solar energy, and hydropower to foster mutual growth and trade.
