'Allies no longer expect us to come with begging bowl': Pak PM's big admission

Shehbaz Sharif On Pakistan Economy: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again raised concerns about his country's struggling economy. Addressing Pakistani army officials, he admitted that even Pakistan's allies are now hesitant to provide economic assistance. This statement came during a morale-boosting address to the troops following a recent military clash with India following Operation Sindoor.

The Pak PM undescored China as country's oldest ally, while calling countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE as its most trusted partners.

However, he acknowledged a shift in expectations, with these nations now focusing on trade, innovation, education, healthcare, and investment, rather than simply offering aid. "But let me point out abundantly here that they expect us now to engage them in trade, commerce, innovation, research and development, education and health, investments, and profitable ventures mutually. They no longer expect us to go there with a begging bowl,” he said.