PM says will handover govt to caretakers next month

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in an address to the nation Thursday, said the incumbent government would hand over the matters of the country to a caretaker setup in August.

The premier’s address comes a day after Pakistan reached a $3 billion Standby Agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The cash-starved nation received the first tranche of $1.2bn earlier today.

At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz recalled that he was given the “sacred responsibility” of running the country as the prime minister and working for its welfare. “We will return this responsibility in August.”

PM Shehbaz emphasized the sacrifices made by his administration to safeguard the state's interests and lead the nation towards progress. One of the notable achievements highlighted is the successful clearing of landmines that were laid on the country's roads, ensuring the safety of the population.

Over the course of 15 months, the Prime Minister's administration has diligently worked to clear the debris left by four years of destruction, focusing on rebuilding and revitalizing various sectors. Despite challenges and anti-patriotic conspiracies, the government has remained steadfast in its commitment to national development.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the brotherly countries that have been steadfast friends of Pakistan, acknowledging their support in overcoming obstacles and strengthening bilateral relations. Emphasizing the journey from adversity to progress, he highlighted the resilience displayed by the nation during difficult times.

Regarding the economy, the Prime Minister pointed out that the previous government had entered into a challenging agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which was subsequently broken. The current administration, in contrast, has been dedicated to the development of the country's economy, despite attempts by certain individuals to hinder progress.

Addressing the issue of default risk and nefarious plots against Pakistan, the Prime Minister reassured the nation that such threats would be countered effectively. He commended the diplomatic efforts of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto in strengthening international relations.

The Prime Minister also noted that confidence within the business and investment community is gradually being restored, which is crucial for the country's economic stability. The recent affirmation of Pakistan's rating by Fitch Ratings was seen as a positive development, reflecting well on the nation.

To overcome challenges, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of hard work and unity, calling for an end to hatred and division within the nation. He outlined a comprehensive program aimed at economic self-sufficiency and emphasized his commitment to reducing inflation, drawing upon the success achieved during Nawaz Sharif's era.