Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Reaffirms Pakistan's Economic and Diplomatic Progress
Praising the Pakistan People's Party for its continued support to the ruling coalition, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of the PPP's alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-N. He noted that the government was initially formed with critical support from the PPP and that their cooperation would continue despite the PML-N securing a simple majority in the National Assembly. Dar denied reports of a meeting between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan, describing them as "baseless rumors" and a "sponsored narrative." He reaffirmed the government's openness to engaging with all political parties, saying it was prepared to work across the aisle in the national interest. Discussing the economic outlook, Dar credited PM Shehbaz's efforts for key economic gains, including the reduction of interest rates from 22% to 11% and improvements in per capita income.
Key Takeaways:
- The Pakistan People's Party remains a trusted ally of the ruling coalition, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar praising their continued support.
- The government's economic performance has shown significant improvements, including a reduction in interest rates from 22% to 11% and an increase in per capita income.
- Pakistan has avoided default thanks to the change in government in April 2022, with the country's reserves now standing at $14.5 billion as of June 30.
- The government has secured a diplomatic breakthrough with the United Arab Emirates, resolving longstanding visa issues and talks underway to include blue passport holders.
- Pakistan's ties with Iran have improved, with Tehran viewing Islamabad as a sincere ally after the country condemned Israeli aggression against Iran.
- The ceasefire along the Line of Control is holding, but tensions with India could escalate, with Pakistan's military standing ready to defend the country.
- Corruption must be addressed across all provinces, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, through due legal process.
- Pakistan is now on a path of development, with inflation decreasing, prosperity returning, and employment opportunities rising.
- The country's armed forces are proud of their role in defending Pakistan and fighting terrorism.
Statistics:
- Pakistan's reserves stand at $14.5 billion as of June 30.
- Interest rates have been reduced from 22% to 11%.
- Per capita income has shown improvements thanks to the government's economic efforts.
- It took 12 years for the Pakistan government to meet with the UAE's bilateral economic commission.
- Pakistan's military has a strong defense record, with 6 Indian fighter jets shot down.
Sources:
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, quoted in the article.
- Pakistani media outlets, such as Dawn and The Express Tribune.
- Government statements and press releases.
- Bilateral agreements between Pakistan and other countries, such as the UAE.
- Economic data and statistics from reputable sources, such as the State Bank of Pakistan.