Islamabad, August 10, 2023 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that his government skillfully averted a default situation for Pakistan.
He remarked, “The government tactfully averted default, revived the IMF program, and extended all possible support to the flood-affected people.”
In his farewell speech to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed a strong commitment to making Pakistan economically self-reliant and free from debt through collective efforts. He emphasized that his coalition government successfully tackled economic challenges over the past sixteen months.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the economic revival vision set by the government, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, information technology, minerals, and exports under the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that whoever forms the next government after the general election would continue this vision of economic revival. He mentioned positive agricultural production, including a bumper wheat crop this year and anticipated good cotton production.
Shehbaz Sharif criticized the conduct of the previous government, stating it damaged relations with the United States, China, and other friendly countries. He also mentioned the conviction of the PTI Chairman in the Toshakhana case, underlining that his government did not target any political opponents during its tenure.
Reflecting on the violent incidents of May 9, Shehbaz Sharif condemned them as a rebellion against the State of Pakistan, the Armed Forces, and the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. He called for a condemnation resolution from the House to deter such actions in the future.
Addressing concerns raised by BNP Chief Sardar Jan Akhter Mengal, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned the completion of water and electricity projects in Gwadar within sixteen months. He assured the House that all unresolved issues of Balochistan would be collectively addressed, emphasizing that Pakistan’s progress requires Balochistan’s development.
Shehbaz Sharif outlined his future plans, indicating his intention to advise the President of Pakistan for the dissolution of the National Assembly that night. He planned consultations with the Opposition Leader for the nomination of a caretaker Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, coalition partners, opposition members, Cabinet members, the Parliament’s Speaker, Chairman Senate, and Parliament staff for their support and cooperation during his government’s tenure.
Updated Petroleum Prices – Petrol and Diesel Rates in Pakistan from August 9