Govt committed to ending corrupt practices: Asad Umar

Exchange rate is an economic variable, cannot be adjusted on an individual's will, says finance minister

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Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said the government is committed to making the country a welfare state and bringing an end to corrupt practices.

"To serve justice, we should send those who are corrupt to jail."

"People ask me when the corrupt will be sent to prison," Umar said while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, adding that the people want accountability of the corrupt.

Referring to the previous government, the finance minister said exports fell drastically from $25 billion to $21 billion due to fluctuation in the exchange rate. "Pakistan incurred a loss of Rs19 loss due to it."

"Exchange rate is an economic variable, and can't be adjusted on an individual's will," the finance minister said further.



"Such decisions were taken by the former prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] to take the country on the brink of destruction, he had no constitutional right to do so," said Umar while criticising the fiscal and monetary policies of the PML-N government.

"Internationally, specialised institutions make financial decisions, while the court, which is an autonomous entity serves justice."



"A society can not progress without eradication of corruption," added the finance minister, adding that the government is focusing on bringing about an economic revival.

"People would soon witness visible improvement."

Addressing the participants, Umar concluded by saying that he respects those who work for the betterment of the country and the welfare of its people.