PM Shehbaz lauds COAS' role in securing IMF tranche

Stressing that it was now high time for the nation and state institutions to join hands for the sake of progress, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged on Thursday the supportive role of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in securing the $3 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Pakistan was recently embroiled in financial challenges but managed to reach a staff-level agreement with the IMF to prevent default, said Shehbaz, assuring that the country would soon hold a significant position among other nations.

Addressing local elders in Torghar after laying the foundation stones for the Torghar Bunir Highway, the Bunir-Karakar Link Tunnel and the Torghar-Bunir RCC [reinforced cement concrete] Bridge, the PM emphasized on the significance of unity, hard work and dedication.

"It is the responsibility of the government, judiciary, armed forces and the people, to work together to ensure the development of the country," said the premier.

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He added that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province was blessed with natural resources. However, there is a need to explore avenues of development for the benefit of the people, he said, acknowledging the sacrifices of the locals’ forefathers, who donated their lands during the formation of Pakistan around 75 years ago.

Shehbaz expressed regret over the neglect of the area by past political leaders, who failed to integrate it into the journey of national development, according to him.

He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to the locals to help them prosper in education and professional fields.

The premier expressed concern that, without the bridge, locals would have to travel a distance of 250 kilometres. The construction of the bridge would reduce the distance to just one kilometre, he added.

Shehbaz directed the completion of the bridge within one year instead of three years, as initially planned, stating that the three infrastructure projects, worth Rs18b, would greatly benefit the locals.

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The premier also announced the establishment of a Danish school in the area. The project is an educational facility previously launched by him in Punjab for underprivileged children.

He also announced the establishment of two colleges in the area and stated that work would soon commence to ensure a stable supply of electricity.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader retired Captain Muhammad Safdar, who flanked the PM, added that the underdeveloped area of Torghar, formerly known as Kala Dhaka, is in dire need of development and infrastructure.

According to Safdar, the premier’s visit to Torghar is a positive sign for the people of the area, who are now destined to progress under his vision of development.

PM’s Adviser Amir Muqam seconded the two PML-N leaders and said that the bridge would connect the Hazara and Malakand divisions, facilitating the locals.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Adviser Ahad Cheema and local government officials were also present at the event.