ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Saudi Arabia for its unwavering financial, economic, and diplomatic support to Pakistan over the years, noting that the Kingdom has never sought anything in return.

Speaking at the restoration ceremony of the Kachhi Canal in Taunsa yesterday, he stressed that recent statements made against Saudi Arabia are deeply antagonistic and detrimental to Pakistan.

Expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia, he reiterated, “Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country whose support for Pakistan deserves the highest praise. The Kingdom has stood by Pakistan unconditionally through every government.”

PM Shehbaz warned against the recent wave of propaganda targeting Saudi Arabia, stating that such actions are against the national interest. He urged the nation to counter these efforts, saying, “Our people will not tolerate any propaganda that compromises the integrity of our ties with Saudi Arabia.”

He concluded by reaffirming that Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Pakistan remains essential, underscoring the historical alliance and Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan through all administrations.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz criticised the handling of the Kachhi Canal project during General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s regime, claiming it was poorly executed and handed over to contractors without a transparent tender process.

“Everyone is witness to how ruthlessly national resources were squandered. When the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) returned to power, we ensured the canal’s completion in 2018,” he stated.

However, he mentioned that the devastating floods of 2022 caused significant damage to the canal, making it essential to restore and complete the project again. Credit for the latest reconstruction, he said, goes to the WAPDA chairman and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who have overseen the canal’s rehabilitation.

The PM described the completion of the second phase of the Kachhi Canal project as a “challenge,” stressing its importance in irrigating parched and barren lands in Dera Bugti and other arid areas.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 23 2024

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