Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned of the repercussions of targeting energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries on his country's economic outlook, noting that continued attacks could delay the return of economic conditions to normal, even if the escalation stops.
Aurangzeb told "Agence France-Presse" on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok today, Saturday, that Pakistan managed to contain the direct repercussions of rising energy prices resulting from the war on Iran, and secured supplies sufficient until the end of November next, without recording any fuel shortages or disruptions in supplies.
The minister clarified that targeting energy infrastructure raises concerns about the coming phase, warning that continued attacks will make economic recovery more difficult and prolong the return to normalcy.
On the financial front, Aurangzeb confirmed that his country continues to implement fiscal discipline and tax reforms, despite resistance from some industrial sectors and interest groups, noting that Pakistan reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund this month to release a financing tranche worth 1.2 billion dollars as part of the existing support program.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Houthi militia's attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh on October 11, affirming his country's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its standing by its side.
It is worth noting that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca on August 7 last, aiming to enhance joint deterrence against any aggression against any of the three countries.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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