KARACHI: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal criticized a political party on Wednesday for causing harm to the country from abroad. While speaking to the media in Karachi, Iqbal appeared to indirectly target Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating, “No country in the world allows anyone to engage in illegal activities from abroad.”
Iqbal further accused the party of mobilizing its overseas supporters to tarnish the reputation of state institutions. He stated, “The political party has instructed its workers abroad to malign the country’s institutions.”
The minister assured that the country’s key institutions, including the establishment, judiciary, and parliament, are united in their efforts. He emphasized that all institutions have understood the importance of stability, and how the lack of it is harming the nation.
Discussing Pakistan’s international relationships, Iqbal highlighted ongoing collaboration with China, noting that work is progressing on Phase IV of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also spoke about increasing investments from Middle Eastern countries in alignment with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Iqbal took a swipe at PTI founder Imran Khan, suggesting that after January 20, Khan would himself acknowledge that the idea of “U.S. slavery” is unacceptable.
“Our focus is on developing the country rather than sabotaging it,” Iqbal asserted, adding that the government has been in talks with bank leaders to open the export development window to further boost the economy.
