Outgoing Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed hope that the nominated Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in the country.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, PM Shehbaz Sharif said in his farewell address to the nation on Sunday that he was going to hand over the reins of the country to the caretaker government with good wishes.
PM Shehbaz said he was sure that nominated Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will protect the vote of the people.
He confirmed to the nation that he select Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister in consultation with opposition leader Raja Riaz.
About his services to the country and the nation, he said, Alhamdulillah, he succeeded to save Pakistan from bankruptcy in a short period of time.
Shahbaz Sharif highlighted the accomplishments and challenges faced during his 16-month tenure and expressed his gratitude for the support of the Pakistani people and outlined the path forward as he prepares to hand over the reins of leadership.
Sharif told the nation about the uphill journey of his administration and commended the resilience of his team and the nation during testing times. He also emphasized the need for unity and unwavering commitment to the country's progress.
He expressed confidence in nominated Caretaker PM Anwaar Kakar's ability to safeguard the people's vote and ensure transparent elections. He iterated the importance of a robust democracy as the cornerstone of Pakistan's foundation.
Reflecting on the economic challenges inherited, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was close to bankruptcy and such a thing was attributed the situation to the former government of PTI's violations of international agreements and strategically placed obstacles.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the successful negotiation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and condemned attempts to hinder the IMF agreement from PTI leadership.
The outgoing PM recounted the government's successful defense against conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the nation. He described May 9 violence as a notable incident in the history of Pakistan.
He assured the masses that the trust placed in his administration had not been betrayed. He expressed confidence in the incoming leadership, particularly Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar Kakar to maintain the integrity of the democratic process and values.
Concluding his address, Sharif looked toward the future with optimism and conveyed his belief in Pakistan's potential, citing imminent foreign investment projects and the transformative impact of mineral resources on the nation's destiny.