In a candid admission highlighting Pakistan’s financial struggles, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that even the country’s closest allies no longer expect Islamabad to approach them with a “begging bowl.” Speaking on Saturday in Quetta, the capital of restive Balochistan province, Sharif said that both he and Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the Army Chief, are unwilling to continue bearing the burden of Pakistan’s economic dependency.
Addressing military personnel, Sharif emphasised the importance of moving away from aid-based relationships and instead focusing on mutually beneficial partnerships. He acknowledged China as Pakistan’s "most time-tested friend" and praised Saudi Arabia as a "reliable and trustworthy ally." He also named Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE as key partners.
"China is the most time-tested friend of Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is one of the most reliable and trustworthy friends of Pakistan. This applies to Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE," he said.
“But let me be clear — these countries now expect us to engage with them in trade, commerce, innovation, research and development, education and health, investments, and profitable ventures. They no longer expect us to come with a begging bowl,” Sharif added.
He underlined the need for Pakistan to fully utilize its natural and human resources to overcome its economic crisis. “I am the last person, along with Field Marshal Asim Munir, to carry this economic burden on our shoulders any longer. The Almighty has blessed us with immense resources — we must now channel them into ventures that bring prosperity,” the Prime Minister said.
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Sharif’s comments came amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with India, following a major military confrontation. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The strikes reportedly killed over 100 militants affiliated with terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.
In response, Pakistan attempted to escalate the conflict by launching drones and missiles at Indian military and civilian locations. However, these were neutralized by India’s S-400 air defence systems. India countered with precision strikes on 11 Pakistani military sites before both nations agreed to cease hostilities.
Meanwhile, the financial crisis in Pakistan deepened, prompting renewed support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite India’s objections, the IMF approved a fresh $1 billion tranche as part of a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreed upon in September 2024. So far, Pakistan has received $2.1 billion under this arrangement.
India had urged the IMF to reconsider the disbursement, citing Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist groups and their use of Pakistani territory to launch attacks against India. However, the IMF defended its decision, stating that the funding was part of a pre-existing agreement and followed standard procedures. Sharif’s declaration signals a shift in rhetoric, aiming to move Pakistan away from dependency and toward economic independence through reforms, strategic investments, and global partnerships focused on development rather than aid.
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