Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's economy and integrity amidst what he describes as malicious attempts to disrupt both by certain political elements.
In his first press conference since taking charge of office, the minister said he would make efforts to bridge the gap between the media and the government, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has started focusing on strategies to tackle economic challenges. He also commented on a Bloomberg report that welcomed the appointment of Muhammad Aurangzeb as finance minister and also acknowledged the abilities of the prime minister.
However, he claimed that amidst these efforts, there were concerns over some political forces allegedly seeking to harm the economy. "These elements have been harming politics before, also. A party leader's contact with the European Union is condemnable. In the past too, conspiracies were hatched to sabotage the IMF deal and recently also, an attempt was made to halt an IMF program," he lamented.
The minister pointed fingers at specific individuals, including former finance minister Shaukat Tarin's purported involvement in attempts to sabotage agreements with the IMF and asking two former provincial ministers to write to the Fund not to enter into a deal with Pakistan.
Tarar further alleged that former prime minister Imran Khan made attempts for Pakistan to default, however, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif struck a deal with the IMF that saved the country from default.
"Protection of the state and its interests is our first and foremost responsibility," he stressed.
Furthermore, he alleged that lobbying was underway to withdraw Pakistan's GSP Plus status from the European Union. This move, the minister claims, is an attack on Pakistan's economy and an attempt to deprive the country of foreign exchange and opportunities for economic growth.
"A certain political party does not see national interest. It has no interest in the integrity of Pakistan. Pakistan will get foreign exchange through the GSP Plus status, inflation will decrease and employment opportunities will be available," he asserted.
Additionally, Tarar responded to criticisms regarding the treatment of PTI Founder Imran Khan in jail. He claimed the former premier had been provided with a gallery for walks as well as three rooms, asserting that all facilities provided to prisoners are in accordance with the law. "He has also been provided with an exercise machine and food according to the manual he has provided," he added.
"The PTI founder was being allowed four meetings a week -- one each with lawyers, friends, family members, political associates," he explained, adding that the ban on meetings for two weeks was not meant for only one court or limited to Adiala Jail.
The minister claimed that a security audit was being conducted for Adiala, Mianwali, and DG Khan jails according to a threat report of the provincial government. "The European Union is being asked to withdraw the GSP Plus status on such a matter," he added, calling it a conspiracy against the country's integrity and economy.
