Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled host of austerity measures to save Rs 200 billion aimed to keep country afloat as nation buckles up to meet International Monetary Fund’s conditions. Pakistan is desperate to unlock next tranche worth $ 1.1 billion loan facility with IMF but is struggling to meet tough conditions set by global financier.

Addressing press conference flanked by senior leadership of Pakistan Democratic Movement, he announced that ministers and advisers to premier have “Voluntarily” decided not to take salaries in order to save millions. Austerity measures were priority for coalition government and ongoing situation also demands nation as whole cut down their expenses and move towards simple lifestyle. He appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Chief Justices of all high courts, lower courts, and Chief Ministers of all four provinces to follow federal government’s measures.

He said that government passed ‘mini-budget’ to meet IMF’s preconditions, but noted that inflation was rising due to Washington-based lender’s demands. PM said that talks with IMF were in final phase and government would soon strike deal with lender. “Unfortunately, as subsidies have ended, inflation will rise.” Centre would take country out of economic crisis with help of “Elders and nation”.

In response to question, he said that person Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran would claim that politicians have kept billions of dollars abroad in Swiss accounts. “This person would say that he will bring that money back. I wish that person who made these claims, was questioned back when he was in power,” he said. In response to another question, he said that government respects superior court, but for how long would it keep its eyes closed when judges are “Completely biased”.

He said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in trivial matter, while court regularised Khan’s 300 canal home.

“I, not as PM, but as PML-N’s head demanded that biased judges should not hear N-League’s cases,” PM Shehbaz stressed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 23 2023

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