Egypt's Sisi Backs National Projects, Rejects Claims Economic Crisis Caused by Domestic Policies

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
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Egypt's Sisi Backs National Projects, Rejects Claims Economic Crisis Caused by Domestic Policies

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rejected "misleading claims" that said the global economic crisis was only limited to Egypt and caused by domestic policies.

He also defended national projects, saying they were the basis for achieving comprehensive economic development and expressed his confidence in Egypt's ability to overcome the crisis.

Sisi was speaking at a ceremony marking 71st Police Day at the Police Academy Conference Complex.

He said the world is witnessing a "harsh and unprecedented economic crisis" not seen since the Great Depression and the two world wars.

The repercussions of the current crisis resulted in what is now known internationally as the global cost of living situation, he remarked, adding that the government aimed to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

Sisi acknowledged that the impact of the crisis is significant and burdened the citizens, especially low-income groups who struggle daily to meet their needs.

He asserted the state's commitment to supporting the people.

The government is working on providing for their families' needs in ways that help them confront price hikes.

"The state remains steadfast in its commitment to help these people in a way that does not and will not change," Sisi vowed.

Egypt, like other countries in the world, is facing an economic crisis due to the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The crisis has been compounded by a drop in the currency against the dollar.

The country received recently a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The economic crunch has increased political criticism against government spending allocated for mega national projects.

Sisi explained that Egypt's economic and demographic conditions necessitate taking giant leaps in a short time, stressing that the country is in a race against time to overcome the dangers and repercussions of population growth.

The major development projects carried out by the state were not for show, but necessary to establish the investment environment and infrastructure to achieve comprehensive economic development that raises the standard of living of all people, said Sisi.

"It is impossible to embark on the path of modern industrialization and massive export without having the necessary elements to achieve this, including cities, roads, a transportation network, technology, electricity, water, and sanitation."

Addressing the currency exchange rate, the president stressed that the dollar crisis is not new but a recurring pattern resulting from the country's weak production and export capabilities and its increasing demand for dollar goods and services.

"Boosting production and export is pivotal for Egypt. We know that and are sparing no effort as we work to achieve that aim," added Sisi.

Police Day is celebrated on January 25 and commemorates the police’s resistance against the British occupation forces in Ismailia in 1952. Dozens of officers were killed at the time.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.