Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said regardless of challenges compounded by floods, it is utmost effort of the government to extend relief to the masses.

In an exclusive interview with PTV, he said it is our effort not to increase burden on the masses in terms of prices of petroleum products.

He said we believe in market based exchange rate but some handful speculators cannot be allowed to make the rupee hostage. He said the appreciation of rupee will also help tackle the issue of inflation.

Ishaq Dar said the government has decided not to approach Paris Club for rescheduling of debt.

The Finance Minister termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China as successful saying the Chinese side has always helped Pakistan in difficult times. He said there have been positive discussions on ML-1 and Karachi Circular Railway project.

Source: Radio Pakistan