Prime Minister Shehbaz denounces ‘unfounded’ rumors about trade with Israel

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the parliamentary meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on April 3, 2023. — YouTube/PTVNews/Screengrab
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the parliamentary meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on April 3, 2023. — YouTube/PTVNews/Screengrab

Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif on Monday denied “reprehensible” rumors that the government had any trade ties with Israel and said Pakistan would “stand by its position until the Palestinians get their rights.”

During his party’s parliamentary session at the parliament building, he denounced Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan for making “serious allegations” against his government and countries that helped Pakistan in difficult times.

Recently, the government had come under fire for social media rumors that it had resumed trade ties with Israel — allegations that the State Department and Commerce Department categorically denied.

Speaking on the matter in the parliamentary committee, PM Shehbaz also said the rumors were “baseless” and “reprehensible” and reaffirmed that the government would abide by its no-trade policy with Israel as long as the Palestinian people are not given their rights.

“What does a businessman have to do with the policies of the government of Pakistan?” clarifying that the person trading with Israel was a lone man.

‘Reputation at stake’

In addition, he said the PTI chief’s allegations extended to countries friendly to Pakistan and helping in times of need, including China and Saudi Arabia.

“The former ruler has spoken ill of friendly countries,” he added. “Severe allegations were made against Chinese projects as Imran and his aides claimed there was 45% corruption in Chinese projects and demanded audits. This has of course led to several projects coming to a standstill and relationships souring.”

The prime minister went on to say, “I can’t tell you what kinds of things have been said about China in private meetings.”

Defending China, he said: “China invested $30 billion in the country, but false accusations were made against the same helper. Along with the rollover of China’s state-owned banks, they recently gave us Rs2 billion to help the country. We currently owe China Rs450 billion. Any other country would have taken us to an international court by now.”

PM Shehbaz went on to say that the deposed prime minister had “risked the country’s reputation” and was destroying the country’s relations with other countries.

Tax solution

During the meeting, the PML-N leader also commented on the “dire” state of the country and pledged to help pull the country out of its various crises under the “guidance” of party leader Nawaz Sharif.

“We have always pulled the country out of difficult situations,” he said, adding that while the situation was “serious”, his party’s intentions were “clear” and that the situation would improve.

On the issue of the recent review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the PML-N leader said: “The IMF has tied the government hand and foot. We have accepted the terms set by the outgoing government and are currently discussing the final terms.”

He then accused the deposed government led by Imran of creating the inflation the country struggles with, trapping the nation in an “economic quagmire” and threatening judges.

“Inflation is the result of the IMF program that the previous government agreed to,” he said.

“Imran Khan signed the IMF program under strict conditions and then violated and suspended the program,” he denounced, accusing Khan of “conspiring to ruin the fund’s program.”

“He conspired with his people to encourage the chief ministers of the KP and Punjab not to sign the IMF deal.”

In addition, the prime minister praised friendly nations for helping Pakistan through its difficult times and said the country’s fiscal crisis was multidimensional.

“The country faced a catastrophic flood situation and Rs 100 billion was given to the victims of the flood by the federal government alone,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also lamented the state of the country’s economy during the PTI’s time in power.

He said everything had become more expensive, the rupee had plummeted, the IMF deal had been broken, and CPEC projects were hampered.

Better management

He also denounced the PTI chief for “lying and cheating the country” in the Toshakhana gift issue.

The Prime Minister then paid tribute to the efforts and loyalty of members of his party.

“We sacrificed politics to save the country,” he said, adding that if Pakistan was saved, everything would be fine.

He assured the members of the assembly that there is currently sufficient stock of wheat in the country.

“A few months ago there were rumors that we were out of wheat. That was just a lie. We have been well prepared from the start.”

He added that the outgoing government had faced a shortage of wheat shortly before stepping down because it was ill-prepared.

We launched a huge program in Punjab to help and help 10 crore people in the country and we would provide free food.

“Other provinces are also doing what they can. The situation will improve as management improves, he promised.


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