Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday denied the rumours that Pakistan had any trade relations with Israel, stating that Pakistan would maintain its stance until Palestinians are given their rights.
He expressed these views while addressing his party’s parliamentary meeting at the Parliament House. He criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for making “serious allegations” against his government and countries that were helping Pakistan in difficult times.
The government had been under scrutiny for rumours that it had resumed trade relations with Israel, which both the Foreign Office and the Commerce Ministry categorically denied, he added. The prime minister reiterated that the rumours were “unfounded” and “condemnable,” and the government would stick to its no-trade policy with Israel.
The prime minister also expressed concern about Imran Khan’s allegations against friendly countries, such as China and Saudi Arabia. He accused Imran and his aides of making “serious allegations” against Chinese projects, leading to the halt of various projects and souring relations. He defended China, citing the $30 billion investment they have made in the country and the recent Rs2 billion they gave to assist the country.
During the meeting, the Shehbaz Sharif commented on the dire condition of the country and pledged to help bring the country out of its various crises under the guidance of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. He accused the ousted Imran-led government of creating the inflation that the country is battling with, trapping the nation in an “economic quagmire” and threatening judges.
He lambasted Imran for conspiring to ruin the IMF’s program and violating the program by encouraging KP and Punjab chief ministers to deny signing the IMF deal.
The prime minister praised friendly nations for their assistance during Pakistan’s tough times and lamented the state of the country’s economy during PTI’s tenure, stating that everything had become more expensive, the rupee had depreciated drastically, the IMF agreement was broken, and projects of CPEC were hindered. He also criticized Imran Khan for lying and cheating the nation regarding the Toshakhana gift.
Finally, the Prime Minister reassured the members of the meeting that there was ample wheat in stock in the country at the moment and that the outgoing government had faced a wheat shortage soon before its ouster due to ill-preparedness. He launched a massive program in Punjab to assist and aid 10 crore people in the country, providing free food, and stated that the situation would improve as the management is improving.
