PM vows to strengthen rail link with Turkiye

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the railroad network between Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye needed improvisation and reiterated his resolve to make this rail link more efficient.

In an interview with Turkish TV channel Haber Global, Shehbaz highlighted that the target of $5 billion bilateral trade with Turkey in the next three years was very much achievable through joint investment and ventures.

The premier said that Pakistan-Turkiye rail link via Iran could play a very important role in reducing the cost of transportation and making their goods compatible in the global markets, adding that his aim was to make this network more efficient.

He invited Turkish investors to use their experience in the field of energy to invest in solar and hydel energy sector of Pakistan. “The projects like Diamer-Bhasha dam, have a great scope for co-investment,” he said.

“Joint investment and ventures can result in ‘a win-win’ situation for both the countries,” he said. “I want to assure that as the prime minister of Pakistan, I will do everything to facilitate Turkish investors,” he added.

“Our labour is more skilled and if they have Turkish investment, it will be a well combination, thus opening vistas of opportunities for joint ventures,” Shehbaz added.

The PM mentioned a “strong strategic partnership” between the two countries, as they had entered joint ventures over ship-making industry, stressing that there were other areas in which both the countries had shared interests.

When asked about the domestic economic situation, Shehbaz acknowledged that the country was passing through difficult challenges, such as skyrocketing prices and the devastating impact of last year’s unprecedented floods.

However, he stressed that the people of Pakistan were strong and they would negotiate through these challenges with collective efforts. He added that the government arranged Geneva Conference for flood aid, and prevented the country’s default.

He criticised the previous PTI government for reneging on its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that led to a very serious economic situation. He was confident that the IMF’s 9th review would sooner or later be approved.

Shehbaz said that the current National Assembly would complete its tenure after which elections would be held on time to strengthen democracy.

He said that elections to the national and provincial assemblies in Pakistan would be held together.

He dispelled the allegations of hegemony of one province in the country, adding that the Punjab province always acted like an elder brother of the three provinces.

“They [all provinces] contribute and share their bounties and sufferings together.”

Referring to the May 9 vandalism, the prime minister said that PTI chief Imran Khan was arrested on serious corruption and graft charges but “his (Imran’s) bunch of thugs acted on his instructions to attack vital institutions, including the military installations”. APP