"Throw Out The Beggar's Bowl": Pakistan Army Chief Urges Self-Reliance Amid China And IMF Loans

Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir on Monday (24 July) underscored the importance of achieving self-reliance in order to reduce dependence on foreign loans and asked the Pakistani citizens to reject the idea of relying on handouts.

This comes after Pakistan recently secured loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

During the opening ceremony of the Khanewal Model Agriculture Farm, the Pakistan Army chief said, "Pakistanis are a proud, zealous and talented nation. All Pakistanis must throw out the beggar's bowl", Geo News reported.

It is worth noting that Pakistan is expected to receive an additional loan from China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had recently said that the country has obtained a rollover of an additional $600 million from China, its longstanding ally, reports NDTV.

This loan aims to support Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves in light of the IMF agreement.

According to Geo News, the Pakistani government's debt reached $2.44 billion in July. This includes $2.07 billion of non-guaranteed debt owed to China.

The army chief also said that Pakistan has been blessed with all blessings, and no power in the world can hinder the country's progress.

General Munir said a state is like a mother and the relationship between the people and the state is of love and respect.

He said security and the economy are interlinked and indispensable to each other.

He also highlighted the inseparable connection between security and the economy, stating that they are indispensable to each other.

The Army chief also stated that the Pakistan Army is proud to serve its nation, adding that the military drew its strength from the people and vice-versa.

General Munir promised that the military would not rest until Pakistan is steered out of the prevailing crisis.