Saudi aid is important for Pakistan’s IMF program, PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unwavering financial and diplomatic support to Pakistan and described Saudi assistance as an important factor for Pakistan’s IMF program.

Speaking on Friday to inaugurate the rehabilitation project of Kachchi Canal, which was damaged by the 2022 floods, the Prime Minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s continued advocacy for Pakistan, be it on the Kashmir issue, at the United Nations. , or in the Security Council. He also acknowledged the kingdom’s recent financial assistance that helped Pakistan get the IMF program.

He said that such hostility is an unforgivable crime. As the Prime Minister, I declare that any hand that tries to spoil Pakistan-Saudi relations will be stopped. This is not uncommon. Such baseless allegations sacrifice our national interests for short-term political gains,” he said after inaugurating the project, which will irrigate 715,000 acres of land in Balochistan and flood-hit areas. Will revive.

Addressing the ceremony attended by Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Owais Leghari, and Dr. Mossadegh Malik, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the Prime Minister announced the 77-year-old Saudi Arabia’s tribute to Pakistan. Conditional support appreciated. He said that the leadership of the country is encouraging investment in Pakistan, agreements worth billions have been signed.

Commenting on PTI founder’s wife’s statement regarding Saudi Arabia, he said that there can be no greater enmity with Pakistan. He criticized the ignorance and carelessness of such statements, warning of the damage caused by these “poisonous” words.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also recalled Saudi Arabia’s generous support, including free oil and financial aid, after Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998. He said that the Kuchchi Canal project was started in 1998 during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif, it faced delays during the tenure of Pervez Musharraf and was completed during the second term of Nawaz Sharif’s regime. He praised WAPDA, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and their teams for revitalizing the project and promised federal support for its second phase.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Balochistan for prioritizing merit-based governance and solarizing tube wells. He also praised Chief Minister Punjab for initiatives like cancer hospital project, free tractors for farmers and reforms in education and health sectors.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in her address highlighted the potential of the canal project to bring prosperity to Balochistan and strengthen provincial relations. He credited the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government for launching major public welfare projects such as motorways, youth scholarships and modern transportation. He also criticized PTI’s calls for marches and termed them as failed attempts to obstruct development.

Maryam Nawaz condemned PTI founder’s spouse’s remarks about Saudi Arabia and called them dangerous. He also criticized the actions of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he said was affecting national unity.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the inclusion of Punjab, which provided opportunities to the people of all provinces. He urged the federal government to support the second phase of the canal project which could be completed within months.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the development of Balochistan through increased funding and a major share in the national development portfolio.