Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi: PM Shehbaz
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD, June 11 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif says he has fulfilled another of his promises to the nation. Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge today (Monday) he said.
“Today is a transformative day. We are moving one step at a time toward prosperity, economic growth and energy security and affordability” PM Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement issued on twitter on Sunday,.
“This is the first ever Russian oil cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation” he said.
“I commend all those who remained part of this national endeavor and contributed to translating the promise of Russian oil import into reality” PM Shhebaz Sharif said.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated that Pakistan has already met “all” the preconditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the stalled bailout programme of the global lender, adding that “no hurdle is now left” in the signing of a staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the IMF.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Sabzazar Sports Complex in Lahore, PM Shehbaz Sharif, while referring the government’s plan B, said, “If the agreement with the IMF is [further] delayed, then I will address you.”
“No need to panic,” the premier said, adding that Allah almighty will keep Pakistan safe. The premier hoped that the government and the IMF would reach a stall-level agreement this month.
Stressing the need for political stability, the premier said that a country’s economic stability is linked with its political stability. He vowed to bring economic stability in the country under the leadership of PML-N supreme Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Berating the former ruling party, PM Shehbaz Sharif hold deposed prime minister Imran Khan responsible for the May 9 mayhem and vowed to bring all the miscreants involved in the violent protests and attacked on the civil and military installations to justice.
The prime minister said that people attacked the public and private properties at the instigation of the PTI chairman. He said all responsible persons of these attacks will be punished.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the development projects launched during previous tenure of PML-N government are now being completed by the coalition government. He said mega power generation projects, including the CPEC projects were initiated by the PML-N government during its previous tenure.
The Prime Minister regretted that the PTI government stopped work on these projects which caused delay in their completion.
Terming the next fiscal year’s budget as public friendly, he said despite difficult economic situation, the government increased salaries and pension of its employees.
The Prime Minister stressed on political stability for development and prosperity of the country.
Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Turkiye have resolved to enhance bilateral trade to five billion dollars in coming three years.
He stated this in an exclusive interview with Turkish media outlet Haber-Global given during his recent visit to Turkiye. The Prime Minister urged Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan the fields of solar and hydel energy, as Turkiye has huge experience in these fields. He said projects like Diamer-Bhasha dam have a great scope for co-investment.
Shehbaz Sharif assured all possible facilitation to the Turkish businessmen who want to invest in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said the rail-road network in Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye can play an important role in reducing transportation cost on goods to promote trade and economic activities among the three countries.
He expressed the desire to make this network modern and more efficient.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan can offer skilled and comparatively cheaper labour for Turkish companies and it will be a win-win situation for both countries. He said it will open new opportunities for joint collaboration and joint ventures.
Answering a question, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and Turkiye have a strong strategic partnership and Islamabad has entered into joint venture with Turkish shipbuilding companies.
He said a part of this project is being undertaken in Turkiye, while the rest is being built in Karachi Shipyard.
The Prime Minister lauded Turkiye for its unconditional support to Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir.
He said we are really grateful to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of Turkiye for supporting the people of Kashmir, who have gone through very difficult times in the face of Indian atrocities.
Shehbaz Sharif said territorial integrity and sovereignty of Turkiye is very important to Pakistan and vice versa.
He said the world has to understand the situation in Kashmir and it must play its role in resolving the Kashmir dispute as per the United Nations Security Council resolutions.