PTI, govt spar over EU letter

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly refuted allegations made by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, dismissing them as a concoction of falsehoods, rhetoric, and baseless accusations.

Reacting vehemently to the information minister's press conference, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any suggestion that the party had corresponded with the European Union (EU) to advocate for the revocation of Pakistan's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status.

The spokesperson clarified that neither had PTI written any such communication nor harboured any intention to do so, dismissing the information minister's assertions as a mere amalgam of deceitful claims and unfounded allegations.

Highlighting PTI's and its founding chairman Imran Khan's endeavours towards the successful implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, despite facing numerous adversities, the spokesperson recalled the incompetence of former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

He pointed out that Dar’s obstinacy in causing delays in program completion was a fact also acknowledged by PML-N ministers themselves.

The spokesperson emphasised that following approval from Imran Khan and PTI, the IMF disbursed the program's second tranche, lamenting that individuals responsible for pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy were once again imposed upon the nation against its will.

He criticised those who, despite allegedly usurping power through electoral fraud, now preached patriotism to others.

Asserting PTI's position as Pakistan's largest and most popular political party, representing all federating units, the spokesperson accused members of the Pakistan Democratic Movement-2 (PDM-2) of prioritising personal gain over national interests, labelling them as courtiers blinded by falsehoods disseminated through their fake ministries.

Also read: Attempts by PTI to get GSP+ withdrawn an 'attack' on country: Info minister

‘An attack on country’

Earlier, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said attempts by PTI to "get Pakistan's GDP+ status withdrawn were an "attack" on the country.

Tarar alleged that PTI's purported agenda aimed to jeopardise Pakistan's economy through a campaign founded upon falsehoods.

He further claimed that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, was receiving preferential treatment, including access to amenities not offered to other prisoners, such as a personal kitchen, additional living space, and exercise facilities.

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 would 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.

“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.

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

Pakistan's GSP+ status, conferred by the European Union in 2014, serves as a trade incentive promoting good governance and sustainable development by facilitating duty-free or minimum-duty exports to the European market. The status, extended until 2027, plays a vital role in fostering trade relations between Pakistan and the EU.