Anonymous Pakistani gave $30 million to Turkey quake: Shehbaz Sharif

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, said that an unidentified Pakistani individual came into the Turkish embassy in the United States and gave $30 million to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

“Deeply moved by the example of an anonymous Pakistani who walked into Turkish embassy in the US & donated $30 million for earthquake victims in Türkiye & Syria. These are such glorious acts of philanthropy that enable humanity to triumph over the seemingly insurmountable odds”, Sharif tweeted.

However, Pakistani journalists questioned why the anonymous contributor walked into the Pakistan embassy to help the country, which is in the grip of a severe economic crisis.

“Interesting that this philanthropist didn’t quietly walk into a Pakistani embassy and denote this money for flood relief. Wonder why?”, author Ayesha Siddiqa tweeted.

Pakistani journalist Ihtisham ul Haq tweeted,”Lol, instead ask yourself a question that why he didn’t walk to the Pakistani embassy.”

After failing to strike an agreement during the IMF’s visit, Islamabad and the IMF have promised to continue loan discussions. It is critical for Pakistan to reach an agreement with the IMF for additional funds from a $6.5 billion programme. The Islamic Republic requires finances to unlock more help, avoid default, and replace foreign currency reserves, which have dropped to less than $3 billion.

The IMF’s current aims are to strengthen Pakistan’s financial situation through revenue initiatives, reduce untargeted subsidies, and enable the currency rate to be market-determined.

The organisation also attempts to safeguard the energy sector’s survival, despite the fact that Pakistani authorities have ruled out boosting power costs this week and have avoided rising gas prices for months.