PM sets another example of austerity
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Prime Minister Imran Khan has set another example of austerity on his visit to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
His one-day visit to Kabul cost $11,000 while ex-premier Nawaz Sharif’s visit in 2015 Kabul cost $58,000 while former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf spent $51,000 in 2012 and former president Asif Ali Zardari $44,000 in 2009.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Imran set an example of austerity as he made his maiden visit to the United States in July and saving public money. His visit cost $67,180 against $752,688 spent by former president Asif Zardari on his six-day visit in 2009 and $549,853 by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on his six-day visit to the US in 2013.
The prime minister travelled to the US on a commercial flight instead of a special aircraft. He stayed at the residence of Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington DC instead of a 7-star hotel, while he bore his family’s expenditure himself.
The premier made a maiden visit to neighbouring Afghanistan on Thursday and held a press conference alongside Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace.
The two countries jointly issued a document titled 'Shared vision between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to support peace and stability in both countries and the wider region.'
He stressed the need for restoring peace to the regions through concerted efforts as the two states have historical links. He said the Afghan people suffered for four decades and despite the role, Pakistan has played in getting the Taliban to speak with Americans and with regards to intra-Afghan dialogue, the level of violence has risen in Afghanistan.
However, he reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to support Kabul in its endeavours to bring down violence and offered all kind of help for sustainable peace in Afghanistan and other parts of the world as well.
He said one of the reasons Islamabad was pushing for peace in Afghanistan is because of Pakistan's tribal areas which were devastated by the war.