China pleads Pakistan's case for financial support by IMF, claims PM Shehbaz

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 06 Jan 2023

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping had approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help out Pakistan as the country scrambles to revive the loan programme amid deepening financial woes. 

Addressing a ceremony regarding establishment of the Hazara Electric Supply Company, he said: “Not even a real brother can do what China has done for Pakistan”. The Chinese president told the global lender to “help Pakistan as it is our brother,” PM Shehbaz lashed out at PTI Chairman Imran Khan for damaging relationship with the neigbouring country.  

The premier also revealed he had conveyed it to the IMF that Pakistan would implement its programme in letter and spirit. “I received a call from the IMF director... I told him that official taxes had been imposed on affluent people besides conveying that we could not put extra burden on the poor people,” he said. 

Mr Sharif said the PTI chief and his aides levelled allegations of corruption against Chinese companies, a move that made the leadership of the neighbouring country angry. He blamed the predecessor (PTI government) for negligence in agreements related to gas.