LAHORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Pakistan’s inflation rate has declined and the country’s foreign reserves have reached $14.5 billion.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working to improve the economy and that Pakistan is now on a path toward progress.
Dar made these remarks while speaking to the media after performing the ‘Ghusl’ ceremony at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore. He said Pakistan’s image has improved internationally and noted that the country has signed a $2 billion investment agreement with Azerbaijan.
When asked about media reports of a possible meeting between former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, Dar dismissed the claim as speculation and said there was no truth to it. He said Nawaz Sharif did not need to meet anyone.
On the inclusion of the Pakistan People’s Party in the federal cabinet, Dar said the PPP has not shown any intention to join. He said the PPP remains an ally of the PML-N at the federal level and will continue to be treated with respect.
He added that the ruling alliance currently holds a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
Dar also commented on regional security issues. He said Pakistan inflicted a defeat on India on the night of May 9–10 by downing six Indian Air Force planes. He said this served as a strong message to the neighboring country, although challenges remain in such situations.
On tensions between Israel and Iran, Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned Israeli aggression. He added that Iran has recognized Pakistan as a true friend, noting that the Iranian parliament expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support during the conflict.
Dar also provided an update on the expansion of Data Darbar. He said the project is expected to be completed before next year’s ‘Ghusl’ ceremony and that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has already approved the renovation and expansion work.
