ISLAMABAD: As the arrival of $2.1 billion Chinese loans jacked up Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves to $17.58bn — highest since April 2018 — the government is expecting finalisation of a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in four-six weeks to form the basis for next year budget.

IMF’s new mission chief for Pakistan Ernesto Ramirez Rigo is set to touch base with Finance Minister Asad Umar and senior officials of his ministry over authorities’ preparedness to enter into a three-year program. Assisted by IMF’s country representative Maria Teresa Daban, Mr Rigo will also visit Karachi the following day for interactions at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

During the two-day discussions, both sides are expected to set dates to field a formal mission by the middle of next month to finalise a reform package, a senior official told media.

Officials said that before the mission chief’s visit, a team of IMF’s representative office in Islamabad had been engaged with finance ministry’s authorities for the last couple of days on actionable issues. The two sides are of the shared opinion that most of the policy initiatives should become part of the coming budget to sail through the parliamentary approval as part of the money bill 2019-20 for implementation at the start of the next fiscal year.

Informed official said this was considered crucial to effective implementation of the reform agenda before the government descended into popular mode. “First two budgets are most important for any difficult reform to succeed and the conclusion of first fiscal year is already upon us and the third budget would be too close to election cycle,” they said.

At the heart of most crucial policy action is the power sector where the relevant authorities have yet to come up with a plan to address circular debt that now stands at over Rs1.6 trillion, the official said.

The finance ministry has clearly told the power division to finalise a plan over the next two weeks with prior warning that it would not get more than Rs120bn tariff differential subsidy budgeted this year. This would remain frozen at this level over the next couple of years to achieve automatic reduction in subsidy-to-GDP ratio as the size of the economy goes up.

The officials said the full cost of recovery was difficult to materialise in the first year but 20-30pc increase in tariff in the first year was unavoidable to ensure a sustainable deficit. The government also has to pass on the impact of about Rs200bn in capacity payments to consumers over the next couple of months.

On top of that, gas tariff will also be increased by 15-22pc notwithstanding gas companies’ demand for up to 145pc increase.

The official said the SBP was still opposed to a complete free float of the rupee, but the government believed that the market-based exchange rate regime could gradually take place. They said Pakistan had taken a series of policy actions since November last year when talks with the IMF mission were suspended and the Fund had softened in stance. For example, the improvement in current account is greater than the IMF expectations as Islamabad now expects current account deficit of about $12bn, significantly lower than previous estimates of $16-17bn. The exchange rate has also reached closer to its real effective rate as remittances and exports have improved and imports gone down.

“Implementation of a successful strategy has ensured total reserves of the country rising to a comfortable level of $17.58bn,” finance ministry’s spokesman Dr Khaqan H. Najeeb said on Monday after “deposits of RMB 15bn equivalent to $2.1bn received in SBP account”.

He said the foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank had hit a double-digit mark of $10.67bn. The net reserves held by commercial banks stood at $6.91bn. He said the government’s successful multi-pronged strategy to ensure stability in balance of payments, including curtailing current account, improving remittances and ensuring adequate foreign exchange financing, helped increase the reserves to comfortable level.

Earlier, talking to reporters, Finance Minister Asad Umar said Pakistan had come closer to reaching an agreement with the IMF as the differences had reduced over a possible bailout package. He said Pakistan had not changed its stance in talks with the IMF but the Fund had revised its position and the gap between the two sides had reduced.

Responding to a question, he said gas and electricity prices would increase gradually as subsidies were withdrawn. The withdrawal of subsidies would not happen at once, he added. He confirmed that the new IMF mission chief would be in Pakistan on March 26 for an introductory visit.

Armeena Khan may have been selective about projects in her six-year career, but there’s no doubt that she’s one of the most followed actors on social media and has proven her mettle as an actor in serials like Bin Roye, Ishq Parast and Rasm-e-Duniya.

She returns to the silver screen after almost two years with Azfar Jafri’s Pakistan Air Force extravaganza, Sherdil. The film, which released on March 22, has been produced under the banner of NK Productions and stars Mikaal Zulfiqar, Hassan Niazi and Sabeeka Imam. Even though Khan doesn’t play a fighter pilot on reel, she felt being “in the proximity of the planes and hangars was good enough.”

In a telephonic conversation with Images all the way from her hometown London, Armeena opened up about Sherdil, addressed the rumours surrounding her absence from the film’s promotions in Pakistan and more. Read on:

Images: Tell us about what made you sign on to Sherdil?

Armeena Khan: I’m an army brat! My father was in the forces, my entire maternal side of the family is in the military, it sort of runs in the blood. Even when I’d initially taken up Yalghaar, I only had two scenes. But I wanted to do it for the love of the country so much so that I didn’t charge them anything.

I also feel every other girl wants to be a pilot. I was no different. For a short period of my life, I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I imagined being up there, soaring free. It was a cool dream, and so when Nomaan Khan approached me for an air force film, I was thrilled.

I knew it would be amazing and even though it wasn’t exactly a pilot’s role, I’d get to be near real pilots and see them in action. My role was quite pivotal and I had a hook, so I said yes. Pakistan Air Force is our pride and it’s great to be a part of something that represents them.

Images: Do you feel a film like Sherdil, which focuses on the Pak-India conflict, promoted war during an already volatile time?

Armeena: I have not seen the film, I finished my work and that was that. I can only talk about what I know, which is the script, and that in no way [encourages] division or conflict. In fact, it’s quite the opposite — it has theories, it discusses new ideas, there’s a commentary and dialogue between the two pilots [Pakistani, played by Mikaal and Indian, played by Hasan Niazi].

Without giving away too much, I felt the general gist of it was friendship, unity and that certain things are needed. It’s done logically and considering it’s an air force film, I found it very positive, provided it’s still kept in the final product.

Everything that’s happened recently is just coincidental, we were speaking among ourselves about how bizarre all of it is; we were astounded.

Images: You haven’t taken part in the promotions of the film. Many speculate that there is tension between you and the producers. How far is that true?

Armeena: There are things to be discussed. Right now, I am not commenting on the matter. I will let everyone know in due course.

Images: You’re also set to return to the TV screens this year. What has kept you away and what appealed to you about this very serial?

Armeena: I haven’t worked since Daldal (2017) because I’m only offered roles of women indulging in rona-dhona. I’ve said no to all of them, even though some of them very high-profile. As an actor, I’m very conscientious and I believe in the social responsibility I have. I have to be very mindful of the messages I project through my brand onto the viewers. Someone rightfully asked me on Twitter how I played a subjugated role in Daldal and yet speak of women’s rights. I thought about it, realised their point and thus haven’t worked in over a year.

I wanted to come back because I don’t want to give up on my voice and the script I’ve signed onto is fabulous. It features Zahid Ahmed and Sonya Hussyn alongside myself, and is being directed by Barkat Siddiqui and written by Abdul Khaliq Khan. It’s women-centric and I found it quite interesting when they narrated it to me; I was really excited. If I’m bringing something, it will be cool; you can associate that with me (laughs).

Images: You’ve also been active on social media lately more than ever. Speak a little about what you make of social media and what inspires your vocal, opinionated posts?

Armeena: Whenever I tweet something, it’s out of conviction, not for the likes or re-tweets. There are many products attached to what we do and you never know who’s associated with what I’m speaking against, so I feel it’s almost detrimental to my career when I make a statement. I’ve been accused of attention-seeking, looking for publicity, but that’s never my motive.

Not too long ago I was offered a skin-whitening campaign, which I rejected, and so I’ve driven by my principles and values. I’ve finally found myself because it’s also about discovering yourself as a person I know where I stand, I know what I’m about and that I have to lend my voice to the voiceless.

Images: Lastly, what other projects have kept you busy and what do you have in story next?

Armeena: I had signed an Indian-Punjabi film last month and I was due to fly out the week after the Pulwama attacks happened. What happened next was history. I had been prepping since November for that, so it affected me in more ways than one. I think it’s sad when artists are affected by politics, I don’t think that should happen. Now there’s a ban, so that part of the world isn’t accessible to any of us now, which is a loss for everyone.

I’ve also been working behind the scenes on an anti-Islamophobia project with Fesl [Armeena’s fiancé] and a lady, Jude, in the UK. It involved latest cutting-edge 3D cameras and it was from the point-of-view of a hijab-wearing Muslim woman walking around city centers and how she would see the world. It’ll also be used by the police force in the UK in the future to tackle Islamophobic policies with the public and offenders.

I’m currently preparing for the drama serial and I’ll be flying down to Pakistan next month to begin shooting in Karachi. I’m also in talks for a British project, the funding for that has just been completed, so let’s see how that goes.

Serena Williams withdrew, blaming a previously undisclosed left knee injury. Less than two hours later, top-ranked Naomi Osaka lost in the third round to tour veteran Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

Osaka’s departure matched the earliest ever in the tournament by a top-seeded woman and jeopardised her world number one ranking, depending on results next week.

“I feel like I’ve dealt with the stress of people asking me do I have pressure because I have the No. 1 next to my name,” Osaka said. “I thought I was doing fine with that, but I guess I’m not.”

It wasn’t the only shocker of the day, as Spanish veteran David Ferrer rallied to beat world number three Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the third round.

Roger Federer briefly seemed headed for the exit but instead advanced to the third round by rallying past qualifier Radu Albot 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

“Radu put me through the ringer,” Federer said.

Serena’s withdrawal was unexpected because she showed no signs of injury a day earlier while winning her opening match against Rebecca Peterson, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1. She didn’t mention any health issues during a news conference after the match, and the WTA had no information regarding when she was hurt.

Serena’s victory on Friday was her first at Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins’ home and the Miami Open’s new centre court. The tournament moved this year from Key Biscayne, where Serena won eight titles.

Serena was next scheduled to play No. 18-seeded Qiang Wang, who advanced to the fourth round.

Also reaching the women’s round of 16 was the 33-year-old Hsieh, who turned pro in 2001 but has achieved the two biggest victories of her career in the past nine months. Her only other win over a number one player came against Simona Halep at Wimbledon last year.

With two-handed groundstrokes from both sides, Hsieh was the steadier player from the baseline against Osaka. When Hsieh closed out match point with a forehand volley winner, she began to cry as the crowd applauded her performance.

Hsieh set up a meeting with Caroline Wozniacki, who beat Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

World number two Petra Kvitova needed three sets and more than two and a half hours to beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in a clash of heavy hitters.

The two-time Wimbledon champion will meet Caroline Garcia in the fourth round after the Frenchwoman knocked out 15th seeded German Julia Goerges 6-0, 7-5.

In the late game, unseeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu beat Angelique Kerber for the second time in a week 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, outlasting the German eighth seed in a two hour, nine minute three setter. The 18-year-old Andreescu also beat Kerber in the final of the BNP Paribas Open.

Seventh seed Kiki Bertens also prevailed over Viktoria Kuzmova 3-6, 6-0, 6-1.

Ferrer is set to retire from professional tennis in May but the Spaniard showed he still has the tools to bring down the biggest names in the game after a stunning win over Zverev.

Zverev, runner-up to John Isner here last year, coughed up 12 double faults as he suffered his second straight early exit in succession after a third-round departure at Indian Wells.

Federer, a three-time champion, lost serve only once in the first game but was on the ropes until he swept the final three games, to the relief of an enthusiastic stadium crowd.

Federer next faces 103rd-ranked Serbian Filip Krajinovic, who beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5).

Earlier, South Africas Kevin Anderson made a winning return to competition with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over rising Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Two Russian prospects, Karen Khachanov and Daniil Medvedev, had different fates on Saturday.

The 10th seed Khachanov was beaten by Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3 while his friend Medvedev, the 13th seed, toppled Frances Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-1.

Eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7-4), 6-1.

In other early action, Belgian David Goffin, the 18th seed, defeated Spaniard Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-1, while Canadian 20th seed Denis Shapovalov came from a set down to beat Britains Dan Evans 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Seeded losers on the men’s side included Diego Schwartzman, Guido Pella, Stan Wawrinka and Steve Johnson. In a game of inches, the 5-foot-6 Schwartzman lost to 6-foot-11 Reilly Opelka 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Islamabad: Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with UNICEF launched National Child Labour Survey in Pakistan.

The President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi graced the occasion as chief guest. Besides, Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari, Parliamentary Secretary Human Rights Lal Chand, Secretary Human Rights Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha, Secretary Ministry of statistics, Shaista Sohail, JoannaReid, Head of DFID, Aida Girma, UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Ingrid Christensen, ILO Country Director were among the Key speakers.

The objectives of the event were to recognize and appreciate the efforts of Federal as well as Provincial governments towards prevention and elimination of economic exploitation and to share the progress made on the child labour survey across the country.

In addition, purpose of the event was to launch the data collection process for child labour survey in Pakistan. Human rights minister Dr. Shireen Mazari addressing the launching ceremony has said that incumbent Government was committed to improving children’s rights, and glorifying international convention on child labour.

It is our priority to ensure the endowment of education and health to the children across the country. Beyond rhetoric we have to take the pragmatic steps to eliminate the child labour and to improve their living standards, our Constitution grantees to provide the fundamental rights to the children.

Federal Minister said that we are taking pragmatic steps in this regard and we are committed to ensure the provision of basic health and education facility to the children with a concrete focus to prevent all kinds of child abuse.

Dr. Shireen Mazari said that purpose of this child labour survey is to collect the scientific data of the child labour in the country to get an empirical data which will help not only to address the real issues but also to devise a comprehensive policy.

Ministry of Human Rights is determined to devise result oriented policies on the basis of this data. She further said that child labour is unaccepted in any democratic and progressive society and without the provision of the basis fundamental rights of the children success becomes a night mare.

In order to succeed, we need to ensure the fundamental rights of children with a special focus on their education and health. She further said that this child labour survey is the beginning, which will be helpful to eradicate the child abuse and economic exploitation.

Federal Minister also showed her concern over domestic worker issues and said that we observe different inhuman incidents related to domestic workers. Ministry of Human Rights is bringing law to protect the rights of domestic workers.

Dr Shireen Mazari shared that besides the implementation of existing laws and devising new legislations, it is equally important to create the awareness among masses regarding their rights.

Ministry of human rights is already running campaigns related to women’s right to inheritance and child abuse awareness and has launched a free helpline 1099 to provide all kinds of legal assistance to the victims.

She further said that Ministry of Human Rights is working on child protection bureau, and Child Protection Commission which will soon be established to protect children’ rights.

The representatives of the Federal and Provincial governments including Gilgit Baltistan and AJK, UNICEF, DFID, representatives of international organizations and member of civil society also attended the event.

The themes of the survey was “Moving from Data to Policy-Global Practices” and “Child Labour Survey Data Usage for Policy Development and Implementation”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday agreed to carry forward the high-level ties between the two countries and forge a more solid, stable and vibrant China-France comprehensive strategic partnership on a new starting point in history.

The consensus was reached during the talks between Xi and Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Xi said that great changes have taken place in the international situation, but the China-France relations have always kept developing on a high level and in a sound and stable way.

He said that since President Macron took office, the bilateral ties have reached a new high in just less than two years, with many new outcomes achieved.

This year is of special commemorative significance, as it marks the 55th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties, the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Work-Study Movement in France, and also the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi said.

“Knowing the past can help people judge today and move on better,” he said.

The world is undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, and humanity stands at a crossroads, and for China, France and Europe, they also come to a critical stage of development, the Chinese president said.

“China is willing to work with France to inherit the past and create the future, enable our close and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership to continue leading the way, and make more historic contributions to building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity,” Xi said.

TRUST, COOPERATION AND FRIENDLY SENTIMENTS

The Chinese president proposed that in order to develop the relations between China and France in a sound way, the two countries should have political mutual trust, practical cooperation and friendly sentiments between the two peoples.

“Under the new situation, the two sides should do much better in those three aspects, and continue to explore the way for major countries to get along with each other, which should feature independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes,” Xi said.

“In politics, we should not only build a strong ‘dam’ of mutual trust, but also a ‘lighthouse’ of ideal,” he said.

He suggested that the two countries deepen communication and exchanges in an all-round way and on various levels, fully leverage the roles of all institutional dialogues, and increase the exchanges between governments, legislative bodies, political parties and armed forces.

The two sides should insist on respecting and accommodating each other’s core interests and major concerns, pursue harmony in diversity, and seek common ground while reserving differences, Xi said.

He urged the two countries to strengthen cooperation under the United Nations (UN), the Group of 20 and other multilateral frameworks, push for the implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, take practical action to safeguard multilateral trading regime and uphold the basic norms governing international relations as underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

On practical cooperation between China and France, Xi said the two countries should not only explore the “source of flowing water” in market, but also facilitate the “river channels” in policies.

The two sides should deepen cooperation in nuclear energy, aviation, aerospace and other traditional sectors, and expedite cooperation in emerging areas including scientific and technological innovation, agriculture, finance and elderly care, Xi said.

President Macron has on many occasions expressed the willingness of carrying out practical cooperation with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which China appreciates, Xi said, adding that the two sides need to earnestly implement the BRI-related demonstration projects in third-party markets.

He asked the two countries to provide more support and convenience for bilateral trade and investment.

Noting that China has newly approved its foreign investment law, Xi pledged that the country will continue to greatly relax market access, optimize business environment, strengthen intellectual property rights protection, and create a new pattern of high-level opening-up.

“We welcome more French businesses to invest and develop in China, and in the meantime, we hope the French side offers fair, open and non-discrimination treatment for Chinese businesses to invest in France,” Xi said.

On people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi called for enhancing both intergovernmental cooperation and non-governmental contacts.

The two countries should fully use the China-France high-level people-to-people and cultural exchange mechanism, and promote cooperation in culture, tourism, language, youths and at local level, he said.

Xi also asked the two countries to well organize the commemorative activities on the 55th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties and the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Work-Study Movement in France, and to host a culture and tourism year in each other’s country in 2021.

Calling China and the European Union (EU) two major forces, markets and civilizations of today’s world, Xi said China attaches importance to Europe’s strategic status and role, and has always regarded deepening China-EU relations as a diplomatic priority.

China supports France in continuing to play a leading role in the process of Europe’s uniting for self-improvement, and hopes France exerts a more positive influence in pushing forward China-EU ties, Xi said.

The Chinese president also urged both sides to accelerate the negotiations on a China-EU investment treaty, and initiate a joint feasibility study on the China-EU free trade agreement at an early date.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a news briefing when responding to media reports saying the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.

“China has closely followed the passing of US warships through the Taiwan Strait and monitored the whole process,” said Geng, adding that China had lodged stern representations with the US side.

“We urge the U.S. to observe the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiques and properly handle Taiwan-related issues so as to avoid undermining China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Geng said.

“Professor Peng is particularly committed to the central role of teachers in gender equality,” Azoulay told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview, adding that UNESCO appreciates the contribution of Peng to educating girls and women, as well as the long-term partnership with China to ensure that access to quality education for all becomes a reality.

On March 27, 2014, when visiting France in company with Xi, Peng visited the UNESCO headquarters and was nominated as a UNESCO Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls’ and Women’s Education, for “her commitment to empowering girls and women through quality education, her outstanding contribution to fighting inequalities in education, her devoted service to human development and creativity, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the organization.”

Since then, Peng has worked closely with UNESCO to promote the equal rights of women and men in education, self-development and achieving success, Azoulay said. Peng has played a key role in this course, and she has for many times presented the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education on behalf of the UN body.

Proposed and sponsored by the Chinese government, the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education is the first UNESCO prize in girls’ and women’s education. Since 2016, six institutions from Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Peru, Thailand, Jamaica and Egypt have been awarded the prize.

Azoulay welcomed the idea of cultural exchanges and mutual inspirations and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind that Xi referred to in his speech in UNESCO in 2014. In her mind, the concept means that the future of each nation and country is closely linked to each other.

No matter how powerful a country is, it cannot deal with challenges alone in the current world, such as climate change, biodiversity and the technological transformations accompanied with the development of artificial intelligence, which require global conversations to ensure that they always remain at the service of mankind, said Azoulay.

“It is one of the founding principles of UNESCO, and more broadly of multilateralism,” said Azoulay.

Azoulay added that Xi and his wife Peng’s visit in March 2014 marked a major step in relations between UNESCO and China.

In addition to education, cooperation between UNESCO and China has also yielded positive results in other areas such as in the restoration and protection of the world heritages in Africa, and artificial intelligence.

The inspectors convened their first plenary meeting on Monday.

The inspection is a concrete action taken by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) to implement decisions and plans of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and to assist in the fight against pollution, said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, while presiding over the meeting.

The inspection will be led by Li himself, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Li instructed lawmakers to rigorously perform their duties in accordance with the law and identify the prominent environmental problems that obstruct the implementation of the law and harm the interests of the public.

He also required lawmakers to explore effective working methods and listen to voices from the primary level, so as to improve the quality and efficiency of the inspection.

In addition to sending inspection teams, the NPC Standing Committee will also entrust standing committees of the remaining provincial-level people’s congresses to inspect the enforcement of the law within their jurisdictions.

Jack Ngare, managing director of Finserve Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equity Bank, told Xinhua in Nairobi that they have already made the Chinese financial technology service available in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

“We are currently at advanced stages of rolling out WeChat Pay and Alipay to merchants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the end of the year and thereafter to additional Africa markets,” said Ngare.

Equity Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC.

Ngare said that its payment gateway service will allow merchants in east and central Africa to accept payments from users of WeChat and Alipay.

He added that the aim of the fintech service is to boost foreign exchange inflows into Africa.

“We are also planning to leverage on the growing Sino-Africa trade and make bilateral trade to become more digital-based and reduce need to carry cash,” he revealed.

Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, the premier said, “We are hopeful of finding large reserves of gas and oil in the sea near Karachi. The nation should pray for this and I will soon share good news regarding this.” 

“God willing the reserves will be so large that we will not need to import any oil,” he shared.

‘No blackmailing will work nor will NRO be given’

Taking a hit at the opposition, the prime minister said, “If the opposition wants to create a hue and cry, we are ready to provide them with containers to protest at D-Chowk. The opposition is joining hands to hide personal theft.”

“No blackmailing will work and nor will anyone be given the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO),” the premier reiterated.

“I presented a 40-year-old money trail in court,” he said while adding that opposition leaders make faces when he enters the Parliament.

“A minute in Parliament costs the country Rs80,000 and all the opposition does on the floor is cry,” he stated. “The opposition is not thinking about the nation at all. Other than talking about hiding corruption, opposition leaders do not raise any other issues on the floor of the House.”

“In the past, Pakistan Peoples Party laundered billions of dollars through fake bank accounts. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is crying foul because he fears the National Accountability Bureau (NAB),” he added. 

The premier continued, “Ayyan Ali and Bilawal’s tickets were bought through the same fake bank accounts.”

“Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s experienced government left a debt of Rs30,000 billion,” he stated. 

PM Imran further clarified,”NAB is neither under us nor did we recruit anyone in the accountability watchdog.”

“Corruption will be curbed when big people are caught. Cases against those ‘parties saving democracy’ were not filed during our government. There is a loss of Rs12 billion in the Metro Bus project,” he added.

The premier further said that if there are “different laws for the strong and the weak then the society will be weak”.

‘No law to send Nawaz abroad for medical treatment’

Speaking about former premier Nawaz Sharif’s medical treatment, the premier stated, “The government is providing him with all facilities and he can seek treatment wherever he wishes within the country. Despite being in power for 30 years, Nawaz could not build a hospital where he can be treated.”

“Nawaz made 30 factories from one factory but could not make a hospital,” he added.  “There is no such law to send Nawaz abroad for medical treatment,” he asserted.

“Should we also send the other 150,000 prisoners abroad for treatment?” he asked.

‘America now praising Pakistan’

PM Imran further said, “Our foreign policy is better than in the last 30 years. America, which used to say ‘do more’, is now praising us.”

“We received a message from US President Donald Trump, however, there has been no progress on it,” he said.

“The results of our foreign policy are now showing. The US understands that Pakistan has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process,” he added.

‘Afghan Taliban wanted to meet but Kabul protested’

Speaking about relations with Afghanistan, the premier said, “The Afghan Taliban wanted to meet me but the government in Kabul protested so I did not meet them. The Afghan government wants to meet leaders of the group themselves and improve the situation.”

“We want friendly relations with Afghanistan. If there is peace in Afghanistan then there will be peace in Pakistan,” he added. “There should be an interim government in Afghanistan,” PM Imran said.

Regarding ties with India, the premier said, “The threat from the neigbouring country is present till elections are held there. We are completely alert.”

Programme being launched to eliminate poverty

The premier further announced that a collective programme is being launched from March 27 for the elimination of poverty.

Stating that the government wants to reduce the current account deficit, the premier said, “I expect the nation to support me.” “China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and UAE are investing in Pakistan,” he stated.

On the increase in gas prices, the premier said, “The hike in tariffs is owing to a short fall of gas and liquified natural gas (LNG). We buy 1,400 cubic feet of gas and sell it for Rs650.”

“The reason for the energy crisis lies in faulty transmission lines. In previous eras, no work was done on transmission lines,” the premier lamented. 

PM Imran stated that there will be ups and downs before big changes take place in the country. 

“All expenses of Bani Gala are paid for through my own pocket,” he shared. “I paid Rs6 million myself to install security fences at Bani Gala,” he added.

“I sold a gift to construct the road that leads to my Bani Gala resident,” he further said. “I am also constructing the Zaman Park house through my own personal money.”

‘Task force formed for sports board’

The premier further said that the sports board system is being completely changed and a task force has been formed. “The sports board had become a recruitment centre,” he stated.

“We are also bringing changes in the system of the cricket board. We will give preference to regional cricket,” PM Imran shared.

The premier stated, “I have full faith in the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Usman Buzdar and Mehmood Khan, respectively. Give both the chief ministers some time and you will see the results yourself.”

‘NAB should take action against big fishes’

The prime minister further said, “NAB doesn’t fall under government control, nor we had provided employment to any persons in NAB.”

He said the anti-graft body should initiate action against big fishes.

“In the past, a lot of corruption was witnessed due to NAB’s involvement, I think NAB should start action against big fishes, rather than common individuals,” Khan said.

‘Reduced PM office expenditures’

The prime minister further said, “I had reduced the PM office expenditures to Rs350 million, I sold personal gifts and constructed Bani Gala Road.

“There were 5 camp offices during PML-N tenure, I didn’t even declare Bani Gala residence a camp office,” he added.

Khan reposes trust in Punjab, KP chief ministers

The prime minister reposed his complete confidence in Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, saying that the cabinet and provincial governments should be given some time and positive results would come.

‘Foreign policy giving excellent results’

He was off the view that the current foreign policy was giving excellent results.

“We have excellent business relations with Saudi Arabia, China, UAE and Turkey and we are working to further cement our ties with other countries as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman Task Force on Energy Nadeem Babar explained that despite gas shortage in the country, the previous government had not granted a single exploration license, which broadened the gap between indigenous and imported gas.

He further said the government was importing gas on higher prices and selling it on almost half of its cost.

“The government will import 1200 MMFCD LNG but on 20 percent lesser rate and will also award 30 blocks for oil and gas exploration,” Babar added.