New premier Imran Khan pledges to restore Pakistan's economy

Imran Khan says he will sell off his office's bullet-proof cars. Photo / AP

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said in his first televised speech in office that the nation is in the worst economic condition it has seen and pledged to cut government spending, end corruption and repatriate public funds.

A day after he was sworn in, Khan yesterday promised reforms across all fields. "I want to see Pakistan a great country" with social services for the poor, Khan said.

The former international cricketer pointed to the growing divide between the rich and poor and said he would adopt austerity measures to relieve the strain on the economy and tackle the country's foreign debt, more than $95 billion ($143.4b).

"The interest that we have to pay on our debt has reached a level that we have to take on more debt just to repay our obligations," said Khan, calling on Pakistanis abroad to save their money in the country's banks during this financial crunch.

Khan added that his Government will also reform the police, health and education sectors, referring to his party's successes in those fields in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Khan spoke only briefly on foreign policy. "We will keep good relations with all countries; we want peace as without it no progress and development is possible," he said.

Khan said he would kickstart his austerity drive by selling his office's fleet of bullet-proof cars.

Criticising what he called the colonial-era mindset and lavish lifestyles of Pakistan's ruling elite, Khan also announced he would live in a small three-bedroom house instead of the palatial prime minister's residence.

Khan plans to have only two servants instead of 524 reserved for a sitting premier. "I want to tell my people, I will live a simple life, I will save your money," he said.

He said he also wanted Pakistan to build a welfare state akin to some found in the West, which he said are modelled on the ideas first voiced by Prophet Mohammad in the holy city of Medina. "I will spend money on those who God has not given enough to," he said.

- AP