Premier highlights PDM-led govt’s 16-month performance and challenges
Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered his farewell address to the nation as the country’s chief executive on Sunday. He began his speech by announcing that he was handing over the responsibility of running the country to a caretaker government following the conclusion of his government’s 16-month tenure. The outgoing premier had come to power in April last year after the then-opposition ousted PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the top office through a no-confidence vote.
“We came [to power] through constitutional means,” said Shahbaz, referring to the episode, adding that his government was contented at the end of its term that his government had not been dishonest in using the powers given to it. Referring to the selection of Balochistan Awami Party Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar for the interim PM’s slot, he congratulated him and said, “He belongs to our great province Balochistan, and I am sure that … he will ensure that free and fair elections are held in the country.”
The premier also expressed gratitude to the nation and leaders of other parties for showing confidence in him to fulfil the responsibility of the country’s chief executive.
“It is [also] a favour of God on us that he gave us the capability and courage to steer the country out of the worst economic, political and foreign policy crises in history. “Time and record will be a witness that we saved the country against possible default and consequent destruction,” he said.
About a bailout loan agreement reached with the International Monetary Funds in the last days of his government, he said the deal had brought economic stability to the country. The prime minister then went on to list what he dubbed the achievements of his government and measures that put that country on the path to progress and financial independence.
“We tread a thorny and fiery path during the last 16 months. It was clear soon after we came to power that Pakistan was facing extremely destructive circumstances. A delay of even a day would have caused irreparable damage to the state. “Had we held elections immediately [after coming to power], we would have made political gains. But the grave situation in the country did not allow us to make political gains. “We were not selfish and prioritised Pakistan’s national interests … We made the most difficult of decisions, and time proved that we made the right decision,” he added.
The PM blamed the previous PTI government for inflation, particularly steps taken by it that went against the conditions agreed with the IMF.
