News about Pakistan’s default risk is based on a malicious campaign initiated by PTI which has no reality: Ahsan Iqbal

JEDDAH, Nov 20 (SABAH): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry has said Pakistan is not facing any danger of going to default and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is spreading false propaganda over country’s default risk. He said that PTI is running well planned campaign based on falsehood to sabotage the international efforts of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He said that there is no truth in the falsehood spread by PTI, adding that the government has saved the country from default during the last six months.

Addressing the Pakistani community in Jeddah, Ahsan Iqbal said that the country has adopted a path of stability and saved it from going to default. He said the news about Pakistan’s default risk is based on a malicious campaign initiated by the PTI which has no reality. He said that the economy of the country was put at stake due to the flawed policies of previous government, adding that the current government improved the economy of the country while implementing the agreement signed with IMF. He said the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif succeeded in removing Pakistan from the grey list.

Highlighting the importance of relationships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Minister we want to establish CPEC-style economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He said that Saudi Arabia and China have been offered joint investment under CPEC, adding that Pakistan’s future linked with the matter in how many years we will take our exports to $100 billion from $30 billion.

He further said that overseas based in Saudi Arabia are a strategic partner of Pakistan and their efforts are commendable which helps Pakistan to promote their narrative. He also announced that a death insurance scheme will be introduced soon for overseas Pakistanis to provide support to their families in case of accidental death.

He said that the future of Pakistan’s economy is linked with the increase of the exports, adding that Pakistani community should help promoting Pakistan’s brand positively. Ahsan Iqbal also invited the Pakistani community present in Jeddah to play its role for increasing the Pakistani exports.

Ahsan Iqbal said government supports the right of overseas Pakistanis to vote, but it should be done without compromising the sanctity and security of the electoral process. He said there is no secure Internet-based voting system in use in the world yet. However, various proposals are under consideration, including the proposal to give representation to overseas Pakistanis through specific seats in Parliament.