LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said his government was ‘stuck into sorting out matters with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’, adding that the international money lender was still asking the government to increase electricity prices.

Addressing the passing out ceremony of 45th Specialized Training Program of Pakistan Administrative Services’ Probationary Officers at Civil Services Academy, the Prime Minister appreciated the active service to humanity, rendered by new civil servants in the flood hit areas, during their training period.

“It is an honor for me to award certificates to the bright stars from across the country,” he said. “Public servants can serve the nation very well, if they are provided a conducive working environment and their services are properly recognized,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that he visited several flood hit areas including Balochistan, and civil servants did their best to help humanity.

Talking about the economic chaos in country, the prime minister said financial necessity had provoked his government to lend money. “I never indented to ask anyone for loans, but the miserable financial status of country compelled me to do so,” he said.

The prime minister was of the view that the IMF was still asking government to further increase electricity costs. He said it is easy to boast in speeches but hard to deliver in reality.