"No Superpower Can Dictate Terms To India": PM Imran Khan

[pillionrider]

Modi fans trying desperately here. I came here just to read the predictable twisting.

I watched the speech. Imran clearly made a distinction between the RSS-influenced ideology of current India which he has a problem with, and the India that gained independence along with Pakistan and yet managed to retain some sense of independence. He's talking of how India has managed to never be fully in debt to any superpower or international ideology, across its independent history.

And who does this come down to?

The tormentor of Modi's dreams - the great statesman Nehru, cofounder of the Non Aligned Movement

Modi's foreign policy is there for all to see. We are hated by almost all our neigbhours and have pushed away our traditional friends. Ukraine was a scrambling attempt by India to curry favour back with Russia.

lol at Godi media and their fans here trying to turn this into Imran praises Modi.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

"Position Indians have on Russia historical is well known..not going to change that.. but they can see what is going on and thr is increasing appetite to do more with UK", UK PM Boris Johnson in Delhi

 

[Cover Drive Six]

India is free but we are slaves: Pakistan former PM Imran Khan

Severely criticising Pakistan's incumbent federal coalition government, former Prime Minister Imran Khan said the "American slaves" had increased the prices of petroleum products, while India bought cheap oil from Russia and reduced prices.

"It showed India is free but we (Pakistanis) are slaves," The News quoted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman as saying while addressing a workers convention at Sheikabad, Charsadda, on Sunday.

He lauded India for following an independent foreign policy, saying it imported crude oil from Russia despite American sanctions.

"Our government signed an agreement with Russia to buy oil at 30 per cent discounted rates. Our government was dislodged under a conspiracy," he said.

Khan said an independent foreign policy was imperative for speedy progress of Pakistan.

He warned that the nation would not forgive Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz for torturing peaceful protesters of his party and conducting raids at their houses.

The PTI chief reiterated that they all would be brought to book and sent behind bars soon

Asking the youth to get ready for another long march, Khan said that his party would soon start marching towards Islamabad to bring down the "imported government".

He warned that his party workers would "snatch" their rights if they were denied it through peaceful means.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-is-free-but-we-are-slaves-pakistan-former-pm-imran-khan/articleshow/91883832.cms

 

[wasim-fan]

He just wants to provoke the establishment. He is bowling outside the offstump trying to test the batsman. If you check, the establishment moves are pretty decisive lately. They know what they want.

 

[PakLFC]

India does have far better foreign policy then Pak.

 

[dildilpak]

India is free but we are slaves: Pakistan former PM Imran Khan

Severely criticising Pakistan's incumbent federal coalition government, former Prime Minister Imran Khan said the "American slaves" had increased the prices of petroleum products, while India bought cheap oil from Russia and reduced prices.

"It showed India is free but we (Pakistanis) are slaves," The News quoted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman as saying while addressing a workers convention at Sheikabad, Charsadda, on Sunday.

He lauded India for following an independent foreign policy, saying it imported crude oil from Russia despite American sanctions.

"Our government signed an agreement with Russia to buy oil at 30 per cent discounted rates. Our government was dislodged under a conspiracy," he said.

Khan said an independent foreign policy was imperative for speedy progress of Pakistan.

He warned that the nation would not forgive Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz for torturing peaceful protesters of his party and conducting raids at their houses.

The PTI chief reiterated that they all would be brought to book and sent behind bars soon

Asking the youth to get ready for another long march, Khan said that his party would soon start marching towards Islamabad to bring down the "imported government".

He warned that his party workers would "snatch" their rights if they were denied it through peaceful means.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-is-free-but-we-are-slaves-pakistan-former-pm-imran-khan/articleshow/91883832.cms

The difference here is that India has not approached IMF for a bailout - dont think IMF will be interested in bailing out Pakistan if they use those funds to purchase Russian oil - I am pretty sure Pakistan has been made aware of that. If Pakistan was in a stronger economic condition like India it would have got away with lot more too.

 

[PakLFC]

No one can dictate terms to India must be why China is sitting in Ladakh while Surrender Modi remains in denial!

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Imran Khan Plays S Jaishankar Video In Rally, Praises India Foreign Policy

Imran Khan played a video clip of S Jaishankar from Bratislava Forum and praised him for standing firm to the US pressure over buying cheap oil from Russia.

Islamabad: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again commended India for its independent foreign policy as he slammed the West for being critical of India for buying Russian oil.
Addressing a huge gathering in Lahore, Imran Khan played a video clip of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar from Bratislava Forum held in Slovakia and praised him for standing firm to the US pressure over buying cheap oil from Russia.

"If India which got independence at the same time as Pakistan and if New Delhi can take a firm stand and make their foreign policy as per the need of its people then who are they (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif government) who are towing the line," Imran Khan said at the gathering, a video of which was shared by several media outlets.

"They (US) ordered India to not buy oil from Russia. India is US' strategic ally, Pakistan is not. Let us see what India's Foreign Minister said when the US asked them not to buy Russian oil."

Imran Khan then played out External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's video clip.

"Jaishankar is telling them who are you? Jaishakar said that Europe is buying gas from Russia and we will buy it as people need it. This is what an independent country is ('yeh hoti hai azad haqumat')," he said while praising India.

He also slammed the Shehbaz Sharif government for bowing down to US pressure on buying Russian oil.

"We had spoken to Russia about buying cheaper oil but this government has no courage to say no to US pressure. Fuel prices are skyrocketing, people are below the poverty line. I am against this slavery."

The clip of Mr Jaishankar played during Lahore Jalsa was of June 3, when in response to a question on India buying Russian oil, he counter questioned, "Is buying Russian gas not funding the war?"

Mr Jaishankar made these remarks at the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum being held in Slovakia on the topic 'Taking Friendship to the Next Level: Allies in the Indo-Pacific Region'.

He had hit back at the unfair criticism of Indian oil purchase from Russia amid the Ukraine war that has created a knock-off effect on the world economy.

While defending India's oil imports from Russia, Mr Jaishankar stressed that it is important to understand how the Ukraine conflict is impacting the developing countries. He also questioned why only India was being questioned while Europe continues to import gas from Russia amid the Ukraine war.

PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
Responding to a question on whether India's oil imports from Russia is not funding the ongoing Ukraine war, Mr Jaishankar said, "Look I don't want to sound argumentative. If India funding Russia oil is funding the war...Tell me then buying Russian gas is not funding the war? It's only Indian money and Russian oil coming to India funding the war and not Russia's gas coming to Europe not funding? Let's be a little even-handed."

Comments
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/imr...in-rally-praises-india-foreign-policy-3253402

 

[Oxfordchamp]

Imran Khan played a video clip of S Jaishankar from Bratislava Forum and praised him for standing firm to the US pressure over buying cheap oil from Russia.

Islamabad: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again commended India for its independent foreign policy as he slammed the West for being critical of India for buying Russian oil.
Addressing a huge gathering in Lahore, Imran Khan played a video clip of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar from Bratislava Forum held in Slovakia and praised him for standing firm to the US pressure over buying cheap oil from Russia.

"If India which got independence at the same time as Pakistan and if New Delhi can take a firm stand and make their foreign policy as per the need of its people then who are they (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif government) who are towing the line," Imran Khan said at the gathering, a video of which was shared by several media outlets.

"They (US) ordered India to not buy oil from Russia. India is US' strategic ally, Pakistan is not. Let us see what India's Foreign Minister said when the US asked them not to buy Russian oil."

Imran Khan then played out External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's video clip.

"Jaishankar is telling them who are you? Jaishakar said that Europe is buying gas from Russia and we will buy it as people need it. This is what an independent country is ('yeh hoti hai azad haqumat')," he said while praising India.

He also slammed the Shehbaz Sharif government for bowing down to US pressure on buying Russian oil.

"We had spoken to Russia about buying cheaper oil but this government has no courage to say no to US pressure. Fuel prices are skyrocketing, people are below the poverty line. I am against this slavery."

The clip of Mr Jaishankar played during Lahore Jalsa was of June 3, when in response to a question on India buying Russian oil, he counter questioned, "Is buying Russian gas not funding the war?"

Mr Jaishankar made these remarks at the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum being held in Slovakia on the topic 'Taking Friendship to the Next Level: Allies in the Indo-Pacific Region'.

He had hit back at the unfair criticism of Indian oil purchase from Russia amid the Ukraine war that has created a knock-off effect on the world economy.

While defending India's oil imports from Russia, Mr Jaishankar stressed that it is important to understand how the Ukraine conflict is impacting the developing countries. He also questioned why only India was being questioned while Europe continues to import gas from Russia amid the Ukraine war.

PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
Responding to a question on whether India's oil imports from Russia is not funding the ongoing Ukraine war, Mr Jaishankar said, "Look I don't want to sound argumentative. If India funding Russia oil is funding the war...Tell me then buying Russian gas is not funding the war? It's only Indian money and Russian oil coming to India funding the war and not Russia's gas coming to Europe not funding? Let's be a little even-handed."

Comments
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/imr...in-rally-praises-india-foreign-policy-3253402

I couldn't believe it at first but knowing IK, he is desperate to get back power and willing to do anything for it....this must be a first..showing a video at a large rally in Pakistan to praise Indian policy... I think the crowd must have been confused and not really understand the video or context of video..

 

[Cover Drive Six]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imran Khan obsession with India's foreign policy. <a href="https://t.co/o2V0WRUx6I">pic.twitter.com/o2V0WRUx6I</a></p>— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1559594080769757184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Addressing a huge gathering in Lahore, Imran Khan played a video clip of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar

 

[Rajdeep]

Addressing a huge gathering in Lahore, Imran Khan played a video clip of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar

S.Jaishankar is a brilliant and very under rated minister. They way he regularly shuts up western critics/journalists...is awesome and a lesson for sub continent countries. Imran is doing the right thing by playing his clip in his rallies.

 

[Hitman]

Imran Khan Lauds PM Modi, Slams Nawaz Sharif Over Foreign Properties

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again lauded India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while comparing with Pakistan Muslim League (N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on the issue of corruption.
In a video that went viral on the internet, former PM Khan was seen talking about the properties that Nawaz Sharif owns outside Pakistan (foreign countries).

He then made a scathing attack on Nawaz, saying, "no other leader except Nawaz in the world has properties worth billions."

"Tell me about one country whose Premier or leader has a billions worth of properties outside the country. Even in our neighbouring country, how many properties does PM Modi has outside India?" he said while addressing to the public gathering.

"No one can imagine how many assets and properties Nawaz possesses abroad," Imran Khan added.

This is not the first time when Imran Khan praised India. Earlier also, he was seen praising India's foreign policy.

Imran Khan praised India for buying the discounted oil from Russia and said that his government was also working on the same thing with the help of an independent foreign policy and slammed Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led government for "running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin".

"Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy," Imran Khan tweeted while retweeting a piece of information about the reduction of petrol and diesel prices in India.

Earlier, in April also, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief lauded India as "khuddar quam" (very self-respecting people) and said that no superpower can dictate terms to the neighbouring country, admitting that both New Delhi and Islamabad do not share a good relationship.

"Indians are khuddar quam (very self-respecting people). No superpower can dictate terms to India," he said on Friday during his national address on the eve of a controversial no-confidence vote that looks certain to dismiss him.

Imran Khan said both India and Pakistan got their independence together but Islamabad is being used as tissue paper.

Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/for...-nawaz-sharif-over-foreign-properties-3366289

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I think this just shows how balanced Imran Khan is. Even though Modi considers IK an enemy, (and vice versa) the difference is that Imran can still give credit for the qualities he sees in his enemies. Not selling your country down the river is still an admirable trait regardless of how mad the rest of your ideology might be.

 

[topspin]

I think this just shows how balanced Imran Khan is. Even though Modi considers IK an enemy, (and vice versa) the difference is that Imran can still give credit for the qualities he sees in his enemies. Not selling your country down the river is still an admirable trait regardless of how mad the rest of your ideology might be.

Would have been nice to see him do this for the Queen (someone who he's actually met in real life) following her passing.

 

[Local.Dada]

Would have been nice to see him do this for the Queen (someone who he's actually met in real life) following her passing.

Well his own motto seems to call people who looted local wealth as chor and daakoo. Where does the queen fit in there? Yes if you are are head of state you have to do the bare minimum for the semantics.

 

[Rajdeep]

Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/for...-nawaz-sharif-over-foreign-properties-3366289

It has nothing to do with Indians being Khuddar (some are, some aren't) but more to do with Modi himself. It has already been established that he is the best leader India ever had since independence. But the fact that he works selflessly 24/7 without breaks/holidays for the betterment of the country is what sets him apart. Let's be honest, Modi is a 78-year-old man with no family and just an old ailing mother. He doesn't need to own a property abroad, do corruption or loot money etc. He can easily retire and relax in this old age in Himalayas or some lavish govt bungalow. But even after getting so much abuse from all quarters, he works selflessly for Indians day & night is what sets him apart from rest. Our liberal brothers will only realize it when he is gone. Brilliant PM and good on Imran too for recognizing it.

 

[Local.Dada]

It has nothing to do with Indians being Khuddar (some are, some aren't) but more to do with Modi himself. It has already been established that he is the best leader India ever had since independence. But the fact that he works selflessly 24/7 without breaks/holidays for the betterment of the country is what sets him apart. Let's be honest, Modi is a 78-year-old man with no family and just an old ailing mother. He doesn't need to own a property abroad, do corruption or loot money etc. He can easily retire and relax in this old age in Himalayas or some lavish govt bungalow. But even after getting so much abuse from all quarters, he works selflessly for Indians day & night is what sets him apart from rest. Our liberal brothers will only realize it when he is gone. Brilliant PM and good on Imran too for recognizing it.

It will change if he gets back into power. Right now I think he is going by the anti-army rhetoric so things will change in a flash when opportunities open up.

I still think IK has the right ideals in his mind for Pakistan. “Ideals” being the word of the day. What he has in ideals isn’t backed by enough “ideas” or a competent team.

Also this is free publicity for the BJP

IK has made S Jaishankar a bigger rock star in India. Chalo atleast he didn’t come up with Inzamam is better than Sachin type argument here. Can you blame him though lol.

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister Imran Khan has sought the need for Pakistan to mend ties with India but made it clear that a good relationship would be impossible while the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains in power.

In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph on Monday, the PTI chairman shed light on the economic benefits that could be achieved if the two neighbours establish trade with each other.

“The benefits would be enormous,” he said, but then contended that New Delhi’s stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was the main impediment.

“I think it’s possible but the BJP government is so hardline, they have a nationalistic stance on issues.

“It is frustrating as you have no chance (for a resolution) as they whip up these nationalistic feelings. And, once this genie of nationalism is out of the bottle it is very difficult to put it back in again,” the former premier told The Telegraph.

“All we know is that they should have a road map for the solution of Kashmir. People in Pakistan cannot accept that Kashmiris, who were given their right by the international community to choose their destiny through a plebiscite, have seen India steamroll this resolution.”

Imran added that Pakistan had to cool off its relationship with India when the neighbouring country took away the statehood of IIOJK.

Pakistan formally downgraded its trade relations with India in August 2019 to the level of Israel with which Islamabad has no trade ties at all. The decision had come as a reaction to India’s decision to revoke Article 370 of its constitution that granted occupied Kashmir a special status.

Trade with everyone
The PTI chief went on to say that he would seek to establish good relations with all the neighbours of Pakistan including Afghanistan, Iran, China, and the US if he is elected as the premier again.

“We really need a relationship with both countries. What I do not want is another Cold War situation when we are in blocks like in the last Cold War we were allied with the United States,” he said.

“The whole of Central Asia, Afghanistan, became out of our orbit,” Imran stated, adding that his main concern for Pakistan was how to lift 120 million out of poverty.

“The best way to do that is if we can have a relationship with everyone, to trade with everyone, so we can help our population,” he concluded.

DAWN

 

[RajBan]

Former prime minister Imran Khan has sought the need for Pakistan to mend ties with India but made it clear that a good relationship would be impossible while the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains in power.

In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph on Monday, the PTI chairman shed light on the economic benefits that could be achieved if the two neighbours establish trade with each other.

“The benefits would be enormous,” he said, but then contended that New Delhi’s stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was the main impediment.

“I think it’s possible but the BJP government is so hardline, they have a nationalistic stance on issues.

“It is frustrating as you have no chance (for a resolution) as they whip up these nationalistic feelings. And, once this genie of nationalism is out of the bottle it is very difficult to put it back in again,” the former premier told The Telegraph.

“All we know is that they should have a road map for the solution of Kashmir. People in Pakistan cannot accept that Kashmiris, who were given their right by the international community to choose their destiny through a plebiscite, have seen India steamroll this resolution.”

Imran added that Pakistan had to cool off its relationship with India when the neighbouring country took away the statehood of IIOJK.

Pakistan formally downgraded its trade relations with India in August 2019 to the level of Israel with which Islamabad has no trade ties at all. The decision had come as a reaction to India’s decision to revoke Article 370 of its constitution that granted occupied Kashmir a special status.

Trade with everyone
The PTI chief went on to say that he would seek to establish good relations with all the neighbours of Pakistan including Afghanistan, Iran, China, and the US if he is elected as the premier again.

“We really need a relationship with both countries. What I do not want is another Cold War situation when we are in blocks like in the last Cold War we were allied with the United States,” he said.

“The whole of Central Asia, Afghanistan, became out of our orbit,” Imran stated, adding that his main concern for Pakistan was how to lift 120 million out of poverty.

“The best way to do that is if we can have a relationship with everyone, to trade with everyone, so we can help our population,” he concluded.

DAWN

All current indications say that PTI will form government in Sep-Oct 2023 and BJP will form government in Apr-May 2024. Ofcourse all other results are possible but this is based on current by poll trends. So that means there is no change towards better dynamics till end of this decade.

 

[rickroll]

All current indications say that PTI will form government in Sep-Oct 2023 and BJP will form government in Apr-May 2024. Ofcourse all other results are possible but this is based on current by poll trends. So that means there is no change towards better dynamics till end of this decade.

IK and PTI seem to be genuinely trying to mend the relations from their end.

 

[jaisan]

IK and PTI seem to be genuinely trying to mend the relations from their end.

what genuine? imran is not practical. modi will be in power till 2028. imran need to take the first step towards india as he was the one bad mouthing modi tirelessly in twitter whereas modi ignored him completely.

 

[daytrader]

'See how we are being mocked in India': ex-PM Imran Khan on Pakistan's economic situation

Addressing the Pakistani public, he said in a recent video that Pakistan is being mocked in India. Khan blames the former army chief and the change of power in the country last year for the current economic crisis. Khan is pressurizing the current government headed by Shehbaz Sharif to announce early elections. At present, there are over 76 cases registered against Khan.

"Watch TV in Hindustan, how they are mocking Pakistan in India. They are celebrating and telling the world how Pakistan is headed to its doom," Khan said in an address to his supporters.

"Why did we focus on our security? Why did we create an army? Raised the army by cutting down our meals?" Khan added. He said that everything was there but we could not bring rule of law.

...
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/...pakistans-economic-situation-article-98570679

 

[Oxfordchamp]

'See how we are being mocked in India': ex-PM Imran Khan on Pakistan's economic situation

Addressing the Pakistani public, he said in a recent video that Pakistan is being mocked in India. Khan blames the former army chief and the change of power in the country last year for the current economic crisis. Khan is pressurizing the current government headed by Shehbaz Sharif to announce early elections. At present, there are over 76 cases registered against Khan.

"Watch TV in Hindustan, how they are mocking Pakistan in India. They are celebrating and telling the world how Pakistan is headed to its doom," Khan said in an address to his supporters.

"Why did we focus on our security? Why did we create an army? Raised the army by cutting down our meals?" Khan added. He said that everything was there but we could not bring rule of law.

...
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/...pakistans-economic-situation-article-98570679

He is getting desperate by the day... probably seeing the writing on the wall and knowing his chances are slipping away from him

 

[MenInG]

He is getting desperate by the day... probably seeing the writing on the wall and knowing his chances are slipping away from him

You mean you are hoping that is the case, yet The Khan is made of sterner stuff and won't go away, regardless of what PDM chor brigade may think.

 

[Oxfordchamp]

You mean you are hoping that is the case, yet The Khan is made of sterner stuff and won't go away, regardless of what PDM chor brigade may think.

If he indeed was made of sterner stuff, he would still be in power and would have steered Pakistan out of trouble...not land it in trouble and make enemies everywhere..

 

[Hitman]

"Wanted Cheap Russian Crude Oil, Just Like India, But...": Imran Khan

Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan once again lauded India's foreign policy and said that Islamabad "wanted to get cheap Russian crude oil just like India" but was not able to do so as his government collapsed in a no-confidence motion.

Addressing the nation in a video message, he said, "We wanted to get cheap Russian crude oil just like India but that could not happen as unfortunately, my government fell due to a no-confidence motion."

Notably, he was the first Pakistani PM to visit Moscow in the past 23 years, Khan could not broker any deal that could give relief to the cash-strapped country.

Pakistan is reeling under the worst-ever economic crisis and Khan lamented over the fact that his country could also purchase Russian crude oil at a discounted rate that India enjoys despite the ongoing Ukraine war.

It is also important to remember he was in Russia on the day of the start of the conflict last year. He mentioned his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the clip.

Interestingly, this was not the first time when Khan acknowledged India's achievements in terms of growing its economy and purchasing Russian oil despite Western pressure.

"No other leader except Nawaz in the world has properties worth billions. Tell me about one country whose Premier or leader has billions worth of properties outside the country. Even in our neighbouring country, how many properties does PM Modi has outside India?" he had said at a public gathering in September 2022.

Earlier in May 2022, Khan hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to purchase cheap oil from Russia despite pressure from the United States.

"Despite being part of the Quad, India withstood US pressure and bought cheap oil from Russia to facilitate its people," tweeted Imran, adding, "Our government was trying to achieve this through an independent foreign policy."

India is the world's third-largest oil-consuming and importing nation. It imports 85 per cent of its crude oil needs. Ever since the war between Russia and Ukraine, the West and Europe imposed stringent sanctions on its energy. This resulted in Russia's offering more discounts to its oldest ally, India.

Sanctions hit Russia signed an agreement with an Indian oil giant intending to boost the crude oil supply. According to the Russian news agency, TASS, Moscow's top oil company Rosneft signed a deal with the Indian Oil Company to increase the supply of petroleum to India.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik in April 2023 claimed that the first-ever shipment of cheap oil from Russia would reach Pakistan next month, reported Geo News.

During an interview with a private news channel, the State Minister said that Islamabad has finalised the deal with Moscow, adding, "The first shipment will reach next month through a cargo."

The deal, which has been in the making for months, could ease some of Pakistan's fiscal trouble as the country, a net importer of energy, looked for ways to cut its oil import bill.

Malik said the government had already made progress in this regard and hoped to issue separate billing for the underprivileged and elite class, reported Geo News.

Last month, the sources told The News that the Petroleum Division was trying to procure Russian crude oil at around USD 50 per barrel, at least USD 10 per barrel below the price cap imposed by the G7 countries on the precious commodity being taken from Russia due to its war on Ukraine.

Officials, involved in the virtual talks with Russia, had shared that Moscow was more interested in completing all the prerequisites such as the mode of payment, shipping cost with premium, and insurance cost before signing the agreement with Pakistan, reported Geo News.

Talks have been ongoing between Pakistan and Russia since last year for the trade of oil which had remained a contentious issue in Pakistan's politics.

Former prime minister Imran Khan had repeatedly claimed that his government was ousted for pursuing an "independent foreign policy," which would have allowed the country to buy oil at a discounted price from Russia, just like India.

Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/wanted-cheap-russian-crude-oil-just-like-india-imran-khan-3934319