Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the coalition government, during its very tough sixteen months in the power, successfully addressed the worst political, economic and foreign policy crises, being faced by the country.
In his farewell address to the nation, he said the allied government successfully rescued the sinking boat of the country and now he is handing over the powers to the caretaker government led by Anwaarul Haq Kakar after termination of its constitutional term.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the caretaker Prime Minister will ensure holding of free, fair and impartial elections while maintaining sanctity of vote.
The outgoing Prime Minister said the coalition government, during its very short span of time, averted Pakistan from default and a massive destruction due to its possible impacts.
Regarding external front, Shehbaz Sharif said we restored trust of the friendly countries, which was shattered by the previous government. He said we signed agreements with our friendly countries which helped rescued our economy. He said we signed agreement with the International Monetary Fund which brought economic stability in the country.
Strongly criticizing the previous government, he said the coalition government also brought the country out of multiple crises. He said the previous government during four years destroyed the country’s economy and compromised the national interests by violating the agreement with International Monetary Fund just for political gains. He said we protected the national interests and put the country towards path of development and prosperity.
Giving details of projects launched for wellbeing of the poor people of the country, the Prime Minister said his government distributed 100 billion rupees among thirty-three million flood hit people across the country.
He said free flour worth 70 billion rupees was also distributed among millions of Pakistanis during the holy month of Ramazan.
He said twenty-five percent share of Benazir Income Support Programme was increased and raised it to 466 billion rupees to help over nine million people.
The Prime Minister said salaries and pensions of government employees were increased, while utility stores ensured the availability of items at subsidized prices.
Shehbaz Sharif said the coalition government added 5000 MW electricity to the national grid, while distributed free laptops among millions of talented and deserved youth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he gave laptops to hundreds of thousands of students. He said the scope of Danish schools will be expanded in all areas of the country if his party came to power again.
The Prime Minister said he sacrificed politics for the state and the country and prioritized national interests of the country by taking difficult and tough decisions.
He said enemies of the country wanted to see destruction and instability in the country, but their all conspiracies were foiled
Turning to May 9 violent incidents, the Prime Minister the nation cannot forget this day when under a well hatched conspiracy, military installations and government buildings were torched, while the monuments and Shahuda and Ghazis were destroyed. He said we are proud of the sacrifices of our Shuhada, as we are free only for their unforgettable sacrifices. He paid rich tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan for their resilience against all internal and external challenges.
He stressed the need to work with diligence, honesty and sincerity to steer the country towards its ultimate destination of development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister said today, the entire nation has developed a consensus on a common narrative of financial self-reliance and independence. He said Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been constituted to achieve this purpose, under which projects worth billions of dollars will be initiated in the next five years.
The Prime Minister said the federal government in collaboration with provincial governments and military institutions has started implementation of this comprehensive plan of development and prosperity.
Source: Radio Pakistan
