Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that Pakistan did not progress as rapidly as it was supposed to “because of money laundering and corruption.”
The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Ship Lift and Transfer System at the Karachi Shipyard.
“Since I grew up side-by-side 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 Prime Minister Imran.
He 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 the premier.
“We didn’t recognise our power. Whenever someone starts to depend on others, his physique deteriorates,” he added.
Prime Minister Imran used this example to state that Allah has made nations in a similar way, adding that when they learn to struggle and rise above hurdles, they prevailed.
Giving the example of the State of Madinah, he said 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 priorities, premier Imran said Pakistan must end reliance on imports and attract foreign investment. It was also important for the country to end money laundering so that the dollars it earns does not leave the country, he added.
He expressed happiness that Pakistan was finally on the path to prosperity, paying tribute to Chief of Naval Staff Amjad Niazi for taking the initiative to launch the Ship Lift and Transfer system.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, federal ministers Asad Umar, Ali Haider Zaidi and Zubaida Jalal also attended the ceremony.
The premier will 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 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, he is expected to pay a visit to the Hub Chowki.
The prime minister will return to Islamabad in the evening.
