Seeking foreign loan had forced Pakistan to "bow" its head and make compromises at the "cost of self-respect", Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said in a candid admission about the humiliation involved in approaching "friendly countries" for financial aid. However, he said, “How should I tell the way we requested friendly countries for loans? The friendly countries didn't disappoint us. But the one who goes to seek a loan, his head is bowed down.” The prime minister said loans also create obligations that have to be fulfilled. "When you go seeking loans, you have to pay the price at the cost of your self-respect.

Source: The Telegraph January 31, 2026 12:19 UTC