Attempts by PTI to get GSP+ withdrawn an 'attack' on country: Info minister

Certain politicians trying to harm the country and its economy for the sake of their politics, says Tarar

ISLAMABAD:

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Wednesday said attempts by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to "get Pakistan's GDP+ status withdrawn were an "attack" on the country. 

Addressing the media in Islamabad, the newly-appointed information minister maintained that Pakistan's GSP+ status would lead to reduced inflation and increased employment in the country. 

Tarar maintained that certain politicians were trying to harm the country and its economy for the sake of their politics and added that no one will be allowed to disrupt the peace in Pakistan their plan would remain a "delusion".

Taking a jibe at the former ruling party, he stated that PTI’s attempt at gaining access to the European Union is "heinous and sad", adding that former premier Imran Khan wanted the nation to default as he wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in this regard.

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s personal interest saved the country from default, the minister added.

The minister alleged that such actions by PTI were a pressure tactic as the party founder was alleged deprived of extra facilities in jail. He elaborated that Imran has been given a kitchen, an additional room and a gallery to walk.

The minister further said that the PTI founder was allowed four meetings a week, despite the jail manual allowing only one per week.

Read: PML-N put country on right track: Tarar

“PTI founder was provided exercise equipment in the jail unlike others, the party is pushing a false narrative. You (PTI) put political interest first and ignored national interest,” said Tarar.

“I will try my best to take measures for the welfare of media workers and journalists, the doors of office are open for journalists, I will try to play the role of a bridge between the government and the media.”

The minister also urged media houses, newspapers and digital media platforms to jointly fulfil this responsibility.

He further said the government is taking steps to put the economy on the trajectory of development and address problems faced by the people including that of inflation, adding that initiatives are being taken from the platform of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to bring improvement in the economy.

Tarrar added that PM Shehbaz has started working on the challenges faced by the economy.