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Pakistan PM praises Saudi Arabia, UAE and China for helping with $7 billion IMF loan

Pakistan PM praises Saudi Arabia, UAE and China for helping with $7 billion IMF loan
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks at an event at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on May 16, 2024. (PMO/File)
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Updated 14 September 2024
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Pakistan PM praises Saudi Arabia, UAE and China for helping with $7 billion IMF loan

Pakistan PM praises Saudi Arabia, UAE and China for helping with $7 billion IMF loan
  • Pakistan’s key allies helped with external financing gap, debt reprofiling after the staff-level agreement
  • The prime minister says he wants the new IMF loan program to be the last one the country ever needs
Updated 14 September 2024
Aamir Saeed
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and China for playing a crucial role in helping Pakistan with the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, which is expected to be finalized when the global lending agency’s executive board meets on September 25.
Pakistan reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a fresh loan program in July to keep its fragile economy afloat, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressing hopes of sealing the deal by the end of August.
However, the delay was caused by an external financing gap, prompting Pakistan to seek commitments from key allies and request debt reprofiling.
The prime minister, speaking to a group of young parliamentarians from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party in Islamabad, shared background details of the efforts to secure the loan.
“Once again, Saudi Arabia, which is our very dear brotherly country, China, which is Pakistan’s trusted partner, and the UAE, which is also a brotherly state [assisted Pakistan],” he said. “If these three countries had not contributed and played their role in this IMF program, it would not have been possible to secure it.”
Sharif also highlighted improvements in the country’s macroeconomic indicators, noting that inflation had decreased and remittances from overseas Pakistanis were on the rise.
He acknowledged the need to expand the tax net, recognizing the financial burden on the salaried classes, but expressed optimism that the situation would stabilize as Pakistan made economic progress.
The prime minister further emphasized that Pakistan needed to break its reliance on borrowing, expressing hope that this would be the last IMF program the country would ever need.

Topics: Pakistan IMF Talks Pakistan Saudi Ties Pakistan UAE ties IMF bailout

US calls Pakistan ‘long-term partner’ despite sanctions related to missile program

US calls Pakistan ‘long-term partner’ despite sanctions related to missile program
Updated 18 September 2024
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US calls Pakistan ‘long-term partner’ despite sanctions related to missile program

US calls Pakistan ‘long-term partner’ despite sanctions related to missile program
  • State Department official says US policy is to ‘deny support to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program’
  • Pakistan has called the US decision ‘biased and politically motivated’ that can increase ‘military asymmetries’
Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The United States described Pakistan as a “long-term partner” on Tuesday, while acknowledging areas of disagreement, noting that Washington’s recent decision to impose sanctions on commercial entities suspected of aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program was one such issue.
The US imposed the sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies last week, alleging they had supplied missile-applicable items to Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan criticized Washington for the decision, calling it “biased and politically motivated,” saying similar listings of commercial entities in the past was prepared on mere suspicion and involved items not listed under any export control regime.
Asked about the US decision, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller described it as part of his country’s efforts to strengthen the “international nonproliferation regime by taking action against networks supporting activities of proliferation concern.”
“Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, and I think what this action shows is that there continue to be places where we have disagreement, and when we have disagreements, we won’t hesitate to act on those to protect America’s interests,” he said during a media briefing.
“It has been our longstanding policy to deny support to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, and we will continue to use our sanctions and other – our other tools to ensure our national security cannot be – cannot be impacted, and that the US financial system cannot be used by proliferators,” he added.
Miller said the US executive order action last week followed its October 2023 and April 2024 designation of six Chinese and one Belarusian entity since they were supplying Pakistan’s missile program.
He noted there was a listing of numerous Pakistani and third-country entities on the US Department of Commerce Entity List for decades.
“We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile program for many years,” he continued.
Pakistan said on Saturday it was widely known that “some countries, while claiming strict adherence to nonproliferation norms, have conveniently waived licensing requirements for advanced military technologies to their favored states.”
“Such double standards and discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of global nonproliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries, and endanger international peace and security,” it added.
China also said it would “firmly protect” the rights and interests of its companies and individuals.
One of its diplomats in Washington noted last week his country opposed “unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council.”

Topics: Pakistan US Ties US sanctions on Pakistan

Russian deputy prime minister arrives in Pakistan today on two-day visit

Russian deputy prime minister arrives in Pakistan today on two-day visit
Updated 18 September 2024
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Russian deputy prime minister arrives in Pakistan today on two-day visit

Russian deputy prime minister arrives in Pakistan today on two-day visit
  • Islamabad last year started purchasing Russian crude oil at a discount
  • Pakistan also received first shipment of LPG from Russia last September
Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk, will arrive in Pakistan today, Wednesday, on a two-day visit accompanied by a high-level delegation, Radio Pakistan reported.
Islamabad last year started purchasing Russian crude oil at a discount as high prices caused by geopolitical tensions have caused fuel prices to more than double in Pakistan. Pakistan also received its first shipment of liquified petroleum gas from Russia last September, marking Islamabad’s second major Russian energy purchase.
“Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk will hold meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan,” Radio Pakistan said on Tuesday about the Russian deputy PM’s Islamabad visit. 
In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan and Russia enjoyed “cordial relations based on goodwill, amity and trust, which is reflected in the multi-faceted bilateral cooperation including in trade, energy and connectivity.”
Energy imports make up the majority of Pakistan’s external payments and discounted imports from Russia offer a respite as Islamabad faces an economic crisis. It is targeting 100,000 bpd of imports from Russia, compared with the total 154,000 bpd of crude it imported in 2022, in the hopes that will lower its import bill, address a foreign exchange crisis and keep a lid on inflation.
However, the benefits are being offset by increased shipping costs and lower quality refined products compared with the fuels produced with crude from Pakistan’s main suppliers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
As a long-standing Western ally and the arch-rival of neighboring India, which historically is closer to Moscow, analysts say the crude deal would have been difficult for Pakistan to accept, but its financing needs are great.

Topics: Pakistan Russia Ties Russian Deputy Prime Minister in Pakistan

‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan says Afghan acting consul general ‘disrespected’ national anthem

‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan says Afghan acting consul general ‘disrespected’ national anthem
Updated 17 September 2024
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‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan says Afghan acting consul general ‘disrespected’ national anthem

‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan says Afghan acting consul general ‘disrespected’ national anthem
  • Foreign office says Afghan official acted against diplomatic norms by not standing up for national anthem
  • Shakir was attending an Eid Milad-un-Nabi conference in Peshawar where the national anthem was played 
Updated 17 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The foreign office said on Tuesday it was “reprehensible” that the Afghan Consul General in Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, had remained seated as the Pakistani national anthem was played at a conference in Peshawar, saying he had disrespected the patriotic song. 

Videos widely circulated on social media on Tuesday showed Shakir attending the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference hosted by Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The event was held in the northwestern town of Peshawar to mark the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. 

As the Pakistani national anthem was played and everyone in the room stood up in respect, Shakir and another Afghan colleague remained seated.

“The disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms,” Foreign Office Spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. “This act of Acting Consul General of Afghanistan is reprehensible. We are conveying our strong protest to the Afghan authorities both in Islamabad and Kabul.”

The Afghan government or consulate have not yet commented on the issue.

Traditionally tense relations between Islamabad and Kabul have soured further in recent months amid a surge in militancy in Pakistan that it blames on its neighbor.

Islamabad says militants mainly associated with the Pakistani Taliban group frequently launch attacks from hideouts in Afghanistan, targeting police and other security forces. Islamabad has even blamed Kabul’s Afghan Taliban rulers for facilitating anti-Pakistan militants. Kabul denies the charges.

Last week, CM Gandapur said he would hold direct talks with Kabul’s Taliban rulers to take action against Afghanistan-based militant groups.

Topics: Pakistan Pakistan Afghan Ties Afghanistan

Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 

Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 
Updated 17 September 2024
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Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 

Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 
  • Salman Akram Raja has been PTI secretary general since Sept. 2024, head of legal affairs since August 
  • Unclear why police raided Raja’s home and no confirmation of the operation from Punjab police force
Updated 17 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Several members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday confirmed raids by provincial police in Punjab on the home of senior party leader Salman Akram Raja.

Raja has been serving as the secretary general of the PTI since September 2024 and as the party’s head of legal affairs since August 2024. It was unclear why police had raided his home but many PTI top leaders have been arrested since the party held a rally on Sept. 8 to demand their leader’s release from prison. Authorities say a law related to public gatherings in the federal capital was violated during the rally. 

“Shame on Punjab Police for raiding residence of Salman Akram Raja sb in Lahore. Alhamdulillah, he is safe,” lawyer Abuzar Salman Niazi, who is a member of the PTI Core Committee, said on X. 

“Such unwarranted police raids show the desperation and shamelessness of this unlawful [government],” Lawyer and PTI leader from Multan, Taimur Malik, said on X. “This raid at Salman Akram Raja’s residence will only increase the resentment against this Govt in the public & legal community.”

There was no confirmation of the raids by Punjab police. 

Earlier this week, PTI lawmakers arrested on Sept. 9 following the rally in Islamabad were ordered released by a local court. The legislators had been charged with violating the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act by holding a rally in Islamabad on Sept. 8 that went on longer than the designated time and in which one policeman was injured as PTI supporters clashed with authorities en route to the rally. 

The PTI said a number of the lawmakers were detained from inside the parliament building, triggering protests and condemnation from the party. They were granted bail on Monday submission of surety bonds worth Rs30,000 [$100]. 

Following the arrests, the National Assembly speaker had opened an inquiry into the incident on Tuesday, citing that under Pakistani law, legislators cannot be detained from within the precincts of the parliament without the speaker’s permission.

Khan’s party alleges it has faced an over a year-long crackdown since protesters allegedly linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest that day in a land graft case.

Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military, which says Khan and his party were behind the attacks, has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

Khan, who has been in jail since last August, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.

Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military and now the PTI is aiming to mobilize the public through rallies to call for their leader’s release from jail in “politically motivated” cases.

The party’s next rally is planned for Sept. 22 in the eastern city of Lahore.

Topics: Punjab police Lahore

After historic Pakistan win, Bangladesh Tests ‘no dress rehearsal’, says India’s Rohit

After historic Pakistan win, Bangladesh Tests ‘no dress rehearsal’, says India’s Rohit
Updated 17 September 2024
AFP
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After historic Pakistan win, Bangladesh Tests ‘no dress rehearsal’, says India’s Rohit

After historic Pakistan win, Bangladesh Tests ‘no dress rehearsal’, says India’s Rohit
  • India lead the World Test Championship standings ahead of Australia
  • India will host Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting from Thursday
Updated 17 September 2024
AFP

CHENNAI, India: Captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday warned his India team there is “no dress rehearsal” in cricket as they face a Bangladesh side fresh from a historic Test series win over Pakistan.

India lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings ahead of Australia, where Rohit’s team will tour for a five-match series later in the year.

But first they host Bangladesh in a two-Test series, starting with the opener in the northern Indian city of Chennai from Thursday.

India are clear favorites but the visitors recently celebrated a landmark 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan.

“There is no dress rehearsal kind of stuff happening here,” Rohit told reporters, cautioning against minds turning too quickly to Australia.

“Every game is important because of what is at stake — the WTC table is quite wide open,” Rohit added. “We want to win here, and start the season on a high.”

The skipper added: “In terms of preparation, in terms of readiness, I feel we are quite ready for this game, and what lies ahead of us.”

India’s last Test series was at home earlier this year when they beat England 4-1.

India won the T20 World Cup in June, their first International Cricket Council title in 11 years.

But there was “no way” his players would “relax and sit back” as a result, the 37-year-old Rohit said.

“Us cricketers, we have got limited time to play the game, to make an impact in the sport that we play,” he said.

India will host New Zealand for three Tests in October and November, before traveling to Australia, the current World Test champions.

“Every team likes to beat India. Let them have fun,” said Rohit of a Bangladesh team on a high after their first win over Pakistan.

“We need to win the match and that’s what we are here for.”

Topics: India Bangladesh Cricket Test cricket Arab News Pakistan

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