Saquib Sherani, Economic Adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minisiter Yusuf Reza Gilani appealed its friendly nations to immediately grant $7 billion to fulfill the basic needs of its people. At least $1 billion is needed every month to maintain the machinery which provides such assistance to the people. As per the current financial health, the country could be run only till this year end.
Some nations which often step in the country’s affairs including the US, Britain, the UAE and China, besides the UN and the EU are expected to meet in the UAE next month to evaluate and provide pertinent help. Though the Foreign ministers of these countries have met on last week in this regard, there was not any concrete promise have been announced on financial aid that would be made available soon by them. Besides, they sidestepped the main issue of releasing funds quickly, but rather stated they would form a partnership with Pakistan to stand by in its needs in providing necessary support to security, development, and not to mention the political needs of complex border.
Sherani reiterated that the international community should not allow Pakistan to stagger and collapse as the country was in the forefront of the fight against terror. He further added cash-strapped Pakistan would not be in position to perform its cause, and would only help the destabilizing agents of terror to take advantage of the situation.
According to recent reports the mood in Pakistan is really grim despite Ramadan festival season, when usually good business takes place. The continuous terror attacks in marketplaces have forced the public to shop only for essentials. Financial crisis combined with spiraling commodity prices and fear factor have immensely contributed to the situation to get more intense. The government wanted the international community to quickly respond to the situation before it got any worse, the official added.
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