KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that Pakistan did not progress as rapidly as it was supposed to, citing money laundering and corruption as major drawbacks.
The prime minister said this while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Ship Lift and Transfer System at the Karachi Shipyard after arriving in the city on a day-long visit.
“Since I grew up side-by-side with Pakistan, let me say on this occasion that we [country] were not able to progress and reach our potential as we were supposed to,” said PM Khan.
The prime minister said instead of standing on their own feet and using their genius, Pakistanis lost their way.
“We became an import-led economy and Pakistan started relying on foreign aid,” regretted PM Khan. “We didn’t recognise our power. Whenever someone starts to depend on crutches, his physique deteriorates,” he added.
PM Khan used this example to state that God has made nations in a similar way, adding that when they learn to struggle and rise above hurdles, they prevail in the end.
He said the Almighty Allah tells Muslims to learn from the example of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), adding that whichever states adopt the principles of the Riyasat-e-Madinah, it would always rise above its problems.
Highlighting his government’s priorities, PM Khan said Pakistan must end reliance on imports and attract foreign investment in the country. He said it was also important for the country to end money laundering so that the dollars it earns does not leave the country.
Towards the end of his speech, the premier expressed happiness that Pakistan was finally on the path to achieve prosperity, paying tribute to Chief of Naval Staff Amjad Niazi for taking the initiative to launch the Ship Lift and Transfer system.
During his stay in Karachi, the prime minister is scheduled to chair important meetings at the Sindh Governor House.
The premier will also be given a briefing at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) on the various federal government projects that are being executed in the city under the Karachi Transformation Plan’s umbrella.
It is expected that the prime minister will issue directives on their implementation.
PM Imran Khan will be briefed on the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project by Railways Minister Azam Swati, said sources, adding that after the meetings at the KPT, the prime minister is expected to pay a visit to the Hub Chowki.
After his official engagements are over, the prime minister is expected to return to Islamabad by Tuesday night.