Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has delivered one of his bluntest admissions yet of the country’s deepening economic distress, saying it is “shameful” for the nation’s top leadership to seek financial lifelines abroad.
Speaking at a public event, Sharif said it was humiliating for both him and Army Chief Asim Munir to approach foreign capitals for loans and emergency support.
“Every time we go around the world asking for money, our self-respect is crushed. Our heads bow in shame,” he said, underscoring the gravity of Pakistan’s financial crisis.
BREAKING
“Me alongwith failed marshal Asim Munir went to many friendly countries to beg for money”
Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif admitting they beg money from other countries 🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/bDrpocTnmH
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) January 30, 2026
Shift From Aid to Self-Reliance
Sharif stressed that Pakistan can no longer survive on external borrowing and must urgently rework its economic strategy to reduce dependence on foreign assistance. He called for a national pivot toward productivity, innovation and investment-driven growth.
While reaffirming ties with key allies, Sharif said the nature of those relationships is changing.
“China is our most time-tested friend. Saudi Arabia is among our most reliable partners. This also applies to Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that these partners now expect Pakistan to move beyond an aid-seeking approach.
“They want trade, innovation, research, education, healthcare, investment and profitable ventures — not a begging bowl,” he said.
BIG: Pakistan Prime Minister’s big confession on how he went with a begging bowl along with Asim Munir to several countries to get loans worth billions. Terror state using foreign money for terrorism and human rights violations. @NDTV with all details.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 31, 2026
“No More Carrying This Burden”
Calling for self-reliance, Sharif urged the nation to fully tap its natural wealth and human capital.
“I, along with General Asim Munir, do not want to carry this economic burden any longer. God has blessed Pakistan with immense resources. We must deploy them for profitable ventures,” he said.
A Stark Regional Contrast
Sharif’s remarks come as India and the European Union have concluded what leaders are calling the “mother of all deals” — a sweeping Free Trade Agreement combined with a mobility framework and a new security and defence partnership.
Finalised after nearly two decades of on-and-off negotiations, the pact is expected to dramatically expand trade, boost people-to-people exchanges and deepen strategic cooperation between New Delhi and the EU’s 27 member states — highlighting a widening economic and diplomatic contrast in the region.
