–Finance minister wears traditional Sindhi ajrak, cap to honour Karachi attack victims during NA session
ISLAMABAD: Minister of Finance and Revenue Asad Umar on Friday said the government was in no hurry to sign the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as alternate arrangements have been made to address the immediate economic needs of the country.
Speaking in the National Assembly, he said they would not make any decision that increased the difficulties of the people and the agreement would be in the better interests of the nation and economy.
The minister said that Pakistan has already signed an economic assistance package with Saudi Arabia while talks with other friendly countries are underway.
He said a 15.50 per cent increase was witnessed in the remittances during the first month of the incumbent government and a 20 per cent increase was seen in the second month.
“Overseas Pakistanis have sent an additional one billion dollars to Pakistan during three months period.”
Speaking of petroleum prices, the finance minister said they have substantially reduced taxes on diesel – five times lower as compared to the previous government.
He urged the opposition not to do politics on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it will not augur well for the country and said the government was taking steps to strengthen the economy.
“We have to take steps to reduce trade, current account and budget deficits,” he added.
HONOURING VICTIMS:
The finance minister wore a traditional Sindhi ajrak and cap while addressing the National Assembly’s session.
Earlier in the morning, armed terrorists attacked the Chinese Consulate in Karachi’s Clifton area.
Two policemen were martyred and a security guard injured as three gunmen tried to enter the consulate. Two citizens belonging to Quetta were also killed.
The three suspected suicide bombers were killed before they were able to enter the facility as forces successfully foiled the attack.
