Islamabad: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has said it was a matter of shame that his nation needed to beg amid a falling economic state despite being a nuclear powered nation.

Addressing the passing-out ceremony of probationary officers of Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Shehbaz said it really embarrassed him to ask for further loans, adding that seeking foreign loans was not the right solution to address Pakistan’s economic challenges as loans would have to be returned, reports The News International.

In the past, “time was wasted with chaos and protests”, he said, slamming the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The prime minister said that sustainable development goals (SDGs) could be achieved and foreign loans avoided had their “bus moved at a faster pace” and on the right track.

Elaborating on his viewpoint on the economic challenges faced by the country, he regretted that during the past 75 years, different governments — whether headed by political leadership or military dictators — could not address the economic issues.

The prime minister maintained that during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had very graciously announced a further $1 billion loan to Pakistan, reports The News International.

Sharif also appreciated Saudi Arabia for its financial support.