Pakistan to ink agreements worth $2 billion with Saudi Arabia, says PM Shehbaz

ISLAMBAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the visit of the Saudi delegation to Pakistan is also scheduled and signing of agreements and contracts worth 2 billion dollars is expected, here on Tuesday.

As per the details, during the federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister thanked China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their support in obtaining the IMF loan facility and mentioned last week’s successful visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when the two sides agreed that Pakistan would export Halal meat and rice to Malaysia, the state-run APP reported.

PM said that as a result of excellent teamwork, the IMF program was approved, inflation has reduced from 32% to 6.9%, exports, remittances and IT exports are increasing, and the stock exchange is skyrocketing.

He said that sabotaging all these efforts for the sake of his politics would be the biggest conspiracy of the country.

Highlighting his government’s reform agenda, he mentioned doubling the number of tax return filers, broadening the tax base and digitization of the FBR.

The Prime Minister said that a peaceful and secure environment is essential to attract investment. Thanking the IMF chief for his support in sanctioning the IMF facility for Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that she also appreciates the reforms introduced by the current and caretaker governments.

He also drew the attention of the Cabinet members to the attack that took place near the Karachi Airport in which two Chinese engineers were killed and one injured, despite all efforts by the government to ensure their safety.

He informed about his telephonic conversation with the Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad and his condolence visit to the Chinese Embassy where he reiterated his government’s assurance of leaving no stone unturned to make the safety of Chinese citizens inaccessible.