Ex-rulers transferred wealth abroad\, says Imran Khan about Nawaz Sharif

Ex-rulers transferred wealth abroad, says Imran Khan about Nawaz Sharif

It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan, said Khan

Press Trust of India  |  Islamabad 

Imran Khan
Pakistan PM Imran Khan Photo: Reuters

Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted Sharif.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his retired were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in through corrupt practices.

Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits.

"It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said.

The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said.

Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis.

The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to was highly successful.

"We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said.

The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said.

Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said.

The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said.

Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said, unfortunately, no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country.

Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests".

Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the in the in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

First Published: Sat, November 17 2018. 00:40 IST