Prime Minister Shehhaz Sharif on Thursday said some rivals were praying to see Pakistan default, as he again hoped that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board would formally approve the $3 billion stand-by arrangement. He was in Torghar – formally a provincially administered tribal area which was later merged with the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – to lay foundation stone of different projects – Torghar-Buner Highway, the Buner-Karakar Link Tunnel and Torghar-Buner RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) bridge –j which would cost Rs18 billion. Addressing a gathering attended by local elders and political personalities, the prime minister said Pakistan had been destroyed during the former government’s tenure and their priority was save the country from default. Therefore, Shehbaz described the IMF deal as an urgent requirement, not “some sweet”, and said the first step towards formalizing the agreement had been completed with the staff-level agreement on the –stand-by arrangement.

 He thanked the friendly nations – China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – for extending assistance during the difficult period, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir for his contribution and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his hard working that resulted in successful dialogue with the IMF. The prime minister said he had been working under the leadership of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for the last 35 years and promised that the journey towards development would again start while the former premier leading the nation.

 On the occasion, Shehbaz announced also establishment of a Daanish School as well as two colleges in the remote district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking on the occasion, PML-N leader Capt (r) Muhammad Safdar said the underdeveloped area of Torghar, formerly known as Kala Dhaka, was in dire need of development and infrastructure. Adviser to the Prime Minister Adviser Amir Muqam said the bridge would connect the Hazara and Malakand divisions, thus facilitating the locals.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP