Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said that the $1.5 billion grant was given to Pakistan as a gift by “a friendly country”for which there is no need for repayment.
The “gift” contributed to a sharp recovery of the Pakistani rupee, which rose to a nine-month high of 97.40 from 105.40 against the dollar its strongest rally in 30 years.
In a policy statement on the floor of the National Assembly Dar said, “the amount was given to Pakistan with no strings attached”
The finance minister added that Pakistan will never send its troops to any country against the national interests.
Budget