Beg, Borrow, Repeat: Shehbaz Sharif’s Honest Take on Pakistan’s Economy

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has openly admitted his frustration over the country’s chronic dependence on foreign loans. He conceded that going to other countries repeatedly for financial assistance hurts Pakistan’s self-respect and is embarrassing not just for the government, but also for Army Chief Asim Munir.

 

 

 

 

Addressing Pakistan's prominent exporters and business leaders at an event in Islamabad, Sharif emphasised the burden of debt on Pakistan's dignity, indicating the need for alternative economic strategies.

 

 

 

 

"We feel ashamed when Field Marshal Asim Munir and I go around the world BEGGING for money. Taking loans is a huge burden on our self-respect. Our heads bow down in shame. We cannot say NO to many things they want us to do," said Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.

 

 

 

Sharif's admission of "begging" for loans highlights the country's economic struggles and reliance on international assistance. This comes as Pakistan seeks IME support and debt rollovers.

 

 

 

However, he praised China, along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which have supported Islamabad through both good times and bad, regardless of circumstances.