As the PML-N coalition government completes its first year in power, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vows to eliminate terrorism from the country to create a favorable environment for foreign investment.
“We should work in unison instead of pulling each other’s legs,” the premier said while addressing a special session of the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad.
He stated that his administration, with the support of allies, stabilized the economy during its first year in power.
PM highlighted the coalition government's economic achievements, including a significant drop in inflation and the key policy rate, and praised cabinet members for their hard work.
“It has been a year, let alone a contentious scandal; opposition even failed to bring up a fake scandal against the government. What could be a greater achievement of yours than this?” he added.
The premier stated that the country was on the brink of bankruptcy when he took office a year ago.
He criticized the former ruling party for sending letters to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and urging the global lender to withhold loans from the cash-strapped nation.
The prime minister emphasized the need to work hard to support the helpless and financially weaker segments of society with all possible assistance and compassion, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. He added that the government has launched a Rs20 billion Ramadan package to assist 4 million deserving families through a digital wallet system.
He said each family would receive Rs5,000, adding that the new system would prevent all kinds of financial mismanagement allegations that previously plagued entities like Utility Stores Corporation. He termed the relief initiative a "quantum jump" that would succeed.
Through hard work, the government achieved an economic turnaround and pulled the country out of financial straits.
The prime minister stated that all macroeconomic indicators were improving and urged members to work with dedication and commitment, emphasizing that these efforts were essential to making Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
He also thanked the leaders of all coalition partners, including PPP, MQM, BAP, and IPP, for supporting the government during its most difficult times.
“We are the bearers of May 28 achievement and not of May 9He questioned how a political party running a provincial government could write letters to the IMF, urging it not to approve an agreement with the government.
The prime minister highlighted the government's efforts toward economic stability and expressed confidence that courts would swiftly resolve Rs400 billion in pending tax cases. He cited the Sindh High Court's recent decision, which provided the government with Rs23 billion in relief.
He emphasized the need to stop Rs850 billion in losses caused by struggling state-owned enterprises, calling them "bottomless pits" that must be fixed. He also stressed the importance of ending circular debt in the power sector.
The premier expressed optimism that collective efforts would make Pakistan stronger and urged society to embrace a culture of forgiveness, affection, and tolerance.
He added that Pakistan, in collaboration with China, would soon launch its first joint astronaut mission.
He acknowledged the challenges and difficulties along the way but affirmed their commitment to moving forward on the path to progress and prosperity.
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