Details of agreement with IMF to be made public: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has assured that details of the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be made public.
Speaking at the Senate Committee of the Whole on Thursday, he said once the agreement is signed, it will be put on the website of the Finance Ministry for review of the general public and nothing will be concealed.

The Finance Minister said he believes in transparency and fiscal discipline in the country. Responding to points raised earlier in the Committee, he said nobody in Pakistan can compromise the nuclear and missile assets of the country.

He said we are a sovereign nation and nobody in the world has the right to tell us what range of missiles we should have. Earlier speaking on the floor of the Senate, the PPP leader Raza Rabbani said the Parliament must exert its authority to prevent other forces from indulging in the affairs of the legislature.

He said the Parliament should not bow before the dictates from any quarters. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said Parliament should become the center of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan to strengthen true democracy in the country.

European Union (EU) Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka said elected bodies ensure people’s power, governance and rule of law. She said democracy is the core value of the European Union. She also congratulated the Senate of Pakistan on its Golden Jubilee.

The High Commissioner of South Africa said late South African leader Nelson Mandella had decided to visit Pakistan twice. He said his country acknowledges Pakistan’s contribution to the cause of peace.

He called for more engagements between Pakistan and African countries. He appreciated Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy”. Former Senator Sana Baloch said implementation of Constitution in letter and spirit is a panacea to make Pakistan a progressive country. He said the Parliament should play its role in addressing concerns of the smaller provinces in light of the Constitution. He said the Parliament should also think about addressing reservations of Balochistan.

Ex-Senator Zahid Khan said the country cannot move forward without establishing the supremacy of the Parliament. He urged the politicians to play their due role in this regard.
Senator Sarfaraz Bugti said the Senate should be given financial power and it must have a say over passage of the money bill. He also urged politicians to sit on the dialogue table and agree on a minimum agenda to strengthen the Parliament.

Jordan Ambassador to Pakistan Ibrahim Yala Al Madani extended congratulations to the leadership and people of Pakistan for celebrating 50 years of the Senate of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan and Jordan enjoy brotherly relations based on solid foundation, mutual respect and joint cooperation on political and military aspects.

Palestine Ambassador Ahmed Rabei appreciated Pakistan’s support to Palestine issues. He retained the point of views of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal regarding Palestine.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said the Senate had taken a bold stance on various foreign affairs and national issues in the past including Iraq war, Balochistan affairs and climate matters.

He said the Senate would continue to play a significant role for protecting the interests of the country as per aspirations of the people. Mushahid Hussain Syed said it is responsibility of both the government and the opposition to play their role in strengthening democracy.

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