New Delhi:
The Finance Ministry denied media reports this evening, claiming that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman discussed issues related to Pakistan with Asian Development Bank chief Masato Kanda and his Italian counterpart Giancarlo Georget. “It is clear that this is not true and is really no basis,” the ministry said.
Ms. Sitarman is in Milan, Italy for the 58th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank.
By 2024, the Sovereign Portfolio of the Asian Development Bank in Pakistan includes 53 loans and 3 grants total $ 9.13 billion.
India has taken a series of diplomatic measures, including a freeze on the Indus Water Treaty, closing the attic border and canceling the visa of Pakistan citizens after the April 22 attack, which was shot dead by terrorists in Pahgam, Kashmir. India has identified five terrorists behind the massacre, three of them Pakistani citizens.
On Sunday, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh indicated to a possible response to the Pahalgam attack, saying what people want “will definitely be”.
“As the Defense Minister, it is my responsibility to work with my soldiers and ensure the security of the country’s borders. And working with the armed forces, working with those who keep a bad eye on our country, it is my responsibility,” said Mr. Singh.
Earlier today, Moody’s rating said that the stand-off with India could be a shock for Pakistan as its foreign exchange reserves can come under pressure and weigh its development.
