Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence that a deal with International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be finalized this month, January 2023, and soon financial challenges would be resolved.
While addressing the launching ceremony of the Green Line train service, the premier said that talks with IMF would get the country out of the current economic crisis.
It is pertinent to mention here that the IMF delegation will be visiting Islamabad from January 31 to February 9 to continue discussions regarding the ninth review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
Shehbaz said that the government had set its priority keeping in view its foreign exchange reserves, thus allowing the import of medicine and food as essential items.
He said courageous nations stand united while braving the challenges with resilience.
The prime minister expressed confidence that with dedication and commitment, the country would soon regain its glory.
He regretted that the Green Line project, which was initiated during the tenure of then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was delayed by the previous government in a mala fide.
He endorsed the concept of outsourcing Pakistan Railways to make it better equipped and at par with contemporary services.
The prime minister said Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway track was a top priority for the government and mentioned that China was committed to its early completion.
He pointed out that the previous government indulged in baseless accusations of corruption against Chinese companies, and stressed that the coalition government was working on restoring the ties.
The new train service comprising modern coaches imported from China was launched from the Margalla train station, Islamabad.
The prime minister visited various coaches of the train and appreciated the services provided for the travelers to make their journey comfortable.
The Green Line train will have stops at the stations at Rawalpindi, Chaklala, Lahore, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Hyderabad and Drigh Road, Karachi stations.
Read more: https://www.thefridaytimes.com/2023/01/27/imf-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-next-week/
