ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged on Saturday to rid Pakistan of its reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The current IMF programme will be the last in Pakistan’s history,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared while addressing the nation.
Economic Reforms and Savings
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to abolish all institutions, ministries, and departments that have become a burden on the exchequer. This move, he said, will save taxpayers billions of rupees and pave the way for the country’s prosperity. “The abolishment of all ministries and departments which, instead of serving the nation, have become a burden on the masses is indispensable,” the premier stated.
Credit to the Democratic Alliance
“When we came to power, the economic conditions were evident to everyone, and we saved the country from default,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. He credited the last Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance and top leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), including President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for pulling the country out of a difficult economic situation.
Path to Progress
Appreciating his government’s prudent economic policies, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country is now on a path of progress after emerging from economic difficulties. “However, this way is not only difficult and long but also requires sacrifice from higher-ups in the government and the elite. The entire nation’s eyes are set on the government to see how it steers Pakistan out of the economic crisis and brings about a revolution of prosperity in the country,” he added.
Inflation and Interest Rate Reduction
Since retaking office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that inflation has dropped to 12% from 38% due to the government’s policies. Similarly, the interest rate on loans has been reduced to 20.5% from 22%. “This would promote investment, and the country would walk down the path of prosperity at a greater pace,” he said. He referred to the latest petrol and diesel price cuts as a “relief” to the inflation-hit masses but admitted that these steps were still insufficient amid the “storm of inflation” during the last four years that “broke the backbone” of the poor.
Commitment to Further Relief
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised to take further measures to provide relief, reduce inflation, expand investments, and offer higher education opportunities to the youth. He assured the nation that the dream of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and those who sacrificed for the country’s creation will come true if the nation unites to end personal hatred and ego.
Realizing Quaid-e-Azam’s Vision
“We are serious about making Quaid’s dream come true and assure the nation that no difficulty would be an obstacle if we work hard and keep the sentiment of sacrifice and selflessness alive,” he added. The prime minister emphasized learning from the past to reclaim Pakistan’s lost glory. He stressed the commitment to realizing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, saying that with sacrifice and dedication, “no one can impede our progress.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address highlighted his commitment to ending Pakistan’s dependence on the IMF, implementing economic reforms, and promoting national unity. His vision includes significant reductions in inflation and interest rates, relief measures for the masses, and a focus on higher education and investment. He called for national unity and sacrifice to achieve prosperity and realize the dream of Quaid-e-Azam.
