Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has admitted that the “tough decisions” taken by his PDM government are leading to “inflation and tough conditions” for the common man but is hopeful that there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.
In his speech at the special Senate session being held in Islamabad on Thursday to commemorate the upper house of parliament’s golden jubilee, the PM assured the populace of good days to come.
The prime minister stated before the Senate that the economy was facing serious difficulties when the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government took office. He recalled that the prior government had a contract with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but had broken its terms.
“We took over through a constitutional instrument and this coalition government faced a very difficult challenge and we had two choices,” said the PM. He added the first option was that the current government could follow the path taken by the Imran Khan-led government.
The PM explained that the other road involved operating with the utmost maturity, responsibility, and statesmanship. He continued by saying that the current administration chose a course that would safeguard Pakistan through a consultative process.
“We had to make some tough decisions. The approach certainly caused inflation and difficult living conditions for Pakistan’s average citizen, but we did not hesitate to make those decisions, the PM stated. The coalition government “saved the state and sacrificed their politics,” the speaker continued.
“I have to say that we are going through a difficult period but there is light at the end of the tunnel, provided you are sincere to the cause,” said the PM. He added that Ishaq Dar was working tirelessly to overturn the economy.
The PM said that everyone was human and made mistakes but it was important that lessons are learned from those mistakes.
The premier continued by saying that political leaders have frequently met to discuss problems in the past. He used the year 2014 as an illustration of political leaders working together to combat terrorism.
Countries address these issues with a political vision, according to PM Shehbaz.
The premier claimed that while in opposition, he had gone to the COVID-19 National Assembly session. He continued by saying that while they had heard his predecessor’s speech, he had left without hearing them.
“A national leader does not have ego, arrogance, hatred, and anger,” said PM Shehbaz. He lamented that the law was being flouted today and institutions are being disrespected.
“We were being thrown in jails on baseless charges. No one took the law into their hands unnecessarily,” said PM Shehbaz. He added that in order to fix the economy there was a need for political stability.
“If there is no political stability then economic stability is a dream that cannot be fulfilled,” said the PM.
“Political differences should be left aside and decisions should be taken. There is still time for us to come to our senses,” said the PM.
