‘No corrupt person will get NRO,’ PM Khan vows in address to the nation

Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation through a video message on Wednesday, reassuring people regarding the steps taken by his government to tackle the economic hardships faced by the country. Beginning his address with the “good news” about the financial package the government has secured from Saudi Arabia, he said: “We were trying for many days to get rid of this burden placed on us of the debt. We had to pay back our debts otherwise we would have been faced with default.” “We have got an amazing package from Saudi Arabia... which has taken off the burden.” He said had the government approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout directly, it would have to borrow more money that would result in an increased impact on the poor segments of society. “So our efforts were geared towards getting loans from friendly countries,” he said, adding that now even if the government goes to the IMF, it won’t need as big a package from the lender. The premier said his government is in talks with two more countries, “and we expect a similar package from them”. If that is secured, he said, the burden of the loans on the salaried class will be minimal. Khan, whose address came a day after his visit to Saudi Arabia, also announced that Pakistan is trying to play the role of a mediator in the Yemen war involving the Kingdom.“We are now trying our best to the play the role of a mediator in ending the [Yemen] war,” he said, adding that Pakistan will try to play to its role in ending conflicts in the region and “bring all Muslim countries together”.