Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh (Leader, PML-N):The successful conclusion of agreement with IMF is a very important development in the current economic situation of the country. The economy was in a downward trajectory when the coalition government took over last year. During the last 15 months due to the personal efforts and vision of the Prime Minister, now the economic situation is much under control. Pakistan consulted the IMF for several times and in the tenure of Mian Nawaz Sharif, for the first time, Pakistan managed to successfully complete the IMF program. In the last few days, the Pakistan Stock Exchange also rose up to 12%. With the maturity of the IMF deal, Saudi Arabia, UAE and China also deposited sufficient amounts that resulted in the rise of the foreign reserves. In future, we may expect Foreign Direct Investment in development projects in Pakistan as well.
Rumina Khursheed Alam (Special Assistant to the Prime Minister): The address of the Prime Minister to the nation was timely and he highlighted some important issues of the public interests in his address. There is no doubt that we have sacrificed our politics for the sake of the state. The Prime Minister thanked the friend countries including China, Saudi Arabia and UAE for expressing confidence over the leadership and contributing to the economic revival of our country. The current economic situation also end the speculations of various elements that Pakistan is going to default. The agreement with IMF will boost the economic situation in the country.
Dr. Noor Fatima (Economist): It is very encouraging to hear that Pakistan has received the first tranche of 1.2 billion dollars. After that we can say that Pakistan is out of the shadows and speculations of being default. But the IMF bailout package does not mean that we are out of economic challenges as well. Moreover, we must keep in mind that it is an agreement between the state of Pakistan and the IMF as it is not an individual's agreement. So it is also the responsibility of coming political government to honor this agreement and continue with the economic policies to bring country out of this situation.