Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on Friday that Pakistan's economy is not only stabilised but also on a growth trajectory, despite attempts by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to create disorder. He pointed out that foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $11 billion mark.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he highlighted that the economic recovery has already started benefiting the common man, with significant reductions in wheat and flour prices, petroleum products, and electricity tariffs.
Tarar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his relentless efforts to improve the economy, noting that these positive developments are a direct result of his work.
He also revealed that a UAE delegation is visiting Pakistan to discuss potential investment opportunities. Additionally, countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are investing in Pakistan, with Azerbaijan announcing a $2 billion investment.
He further disclosed that the PM will attend the Riyadh Summit on November 10 to discuss the Palestine issue, alongside other Middle Eastern matters.
He emphasised that PM Shehbaz has consistently raised the Palestinian cause at global forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, where his speech received widespread attention.
Tarar also mentioned that the PM will participate in COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, focusing on climate change issues.
Addressing PTI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the nation’s peace, Tarar accused the party of staging public rallies to seek leniency for its jailed leader, Imran Khan, in the form of a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
He asserted that there would be no concessions for Khan, who faces corruption charges. He also criticised PTI's plans to hold a public rally in Swabi, pointing out that past rallies had been failures and some were even cancelled.
On provincial matters, Tarar condemned the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government for suppressing teachers' rights and neglecting the education system in the province. He also noted that the youth in KP, including talented sports stars and innovators, were being ignored.
He accused K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of focusing solely on protests for the release of Imran Khan, instead of working on development issues. In contrast, PM Shehbaz is focused on the country's development and prosperity, while PTI continues to work against national interests, he added.
Tarar also touched upon the aftermath of the May 9 attacks on national institutions, asserting that PTI’s agenda to weaken these institutions had failed. He praised Pakistan’s successful agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite PTI's efforts to push the country toward default.
On judicial matters, Tarar interpreted the recent Supreme Court Bar Association election results as supporting the 26th Constitutional Amendment, part of the government’s judicial reforms.
Furthermore, he celebrated Pakistan’s historic cricket win against Australia in Adelaide on Friday, expressing hope that the national team would soon return to its former glory.
In conclusion, the minister reiterated the strong friendship between Pakistan and China, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he described as the country’s lifeline.
He stressed that with the completion of CPEC’s second phase, bilateral relations between Pakistan and China would enter a new phase of growth.
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