NEW YORK: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has highlighted the International Monetary Fund’s positive assessment of Pakistan’s efforts to combat illegal currency trading, which has played a crucial role in stabilizing the country’s currency value.
Speaking in a New York interview with official TV channel, he emphasized that Pakistan’s reform agenda encompasses expanding the tax base, privatization, and reforms in the power sector. These measures have instilled confidence in international financial institutions, leading them to have an optimistic outlook on Pakistan’s economic stability.
The Prime Minister also underscored the alignment of Pakistan and the IMF in terms of providing subsidies to support the underprivileged segments of society.
Regarding aid pledges to Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar mentioned that nearly ten billion dollars in pledges were made in response to the floods in the country. He assured that the government is committed to converting these pledges into tangible resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas.
He stressed Pakistan’s strong and diverse relationships with countries like China and the United States. He noted that while Pakistan values its relations with these countries, it is not realistic to expect Pakistan to favor one country over another when both India and China, for example, have trade ties with each other. Pakistan, he stated, will maintain independent foreign relations.
Turning to the India-Canada dispute, the Prime Minister expressed concern about India’s deteriorating international image following the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He condemned India for what he saw as an act of violence against humanity on Canadian soil. He stated that Pakistan’s objective is not to propagate against India but to expose the underlying fascism masked by Hindutva. Pakistan aims to draw global attention to this phenomenon and its potential to ignite hatred and conflict in the region.
The Prime Minister revealed that Pakistan has discussed the issue with the UN Secretary-General and provided credible evidence of India’s involvement in terror activities, particularly in Balochistan.
Addressing the resurgence of TTP and Daesh activities, he expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s success in dismantling terrorist infrastructure. He highlighted Pakistan’s strong security forces and its coordination with regional countries to counter this threat.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the caretaker government’s commitment to supporting the Election Commission in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections by making necessary arrangements.
Finally, he reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. During his address to the UN General Assembly, he planned to touch upon various issues, including climate change, Islamophobia, and Pakistan’s economic revival plans, especially those under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
