Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he worked under the guidance of former premier Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari to save the country from default.
Addressing the nation, the prime minister listed the PML-N-led coalition government’s feats, saying: “We saved the country from default.”
He added: “When we took over, the economic situation was in front of you.
“Today, the country is on the path of development and prosperity.
“We brought down inflation. We reduced oil prices."
The PM gave credit to the last Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance and the top leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) including President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for pulling the country out of difficult economic situation.
Shehbaz pledged to get the country rid the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying: “The current IMF programme will be the last in Pakistan's history.”
He vowed to abolish all institutions, ministries and departments costing the exchequer, saying: “The abolishment of all ministries and departments which, instead of serving nation, have become a burden on the masses is indispensable.
PM Shehbaz forms committee to suggest steps for slashing expenditures
“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."
PM Shehbaz promised the nation to take further measures to keep providing relief to them and bringing down inflation, expand investments and provide opportunities of higher education to the youngsters.
He promised to make Pakistan a country envisaged by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the Pakistan Movement leaders.
"We are not only serious about making Quaid's dream true but also assure the nation that no difficulty would be an obstacle to our way if we work hard and keep the sentiment of sacrifice and selflessness alive.
“Steps are afoot to bring public betterment.”
Yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a significant slash in the prices of petroleum products for the next fortnight. According to a PMO press release, the prime minister decreased the petrol price by Rs10.20 per litre and the high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.33 per litre.
PM Shehbaz slashes petrol price by Rs10.20 per litre
On June 1, the government brought down the petrol rate by Rs 4.74 per litre while the price of diesel went down by Rs3.86 per litre, it said, adding that the incumbent government has so far brought down petrol price by Rs35 per litre.
The premier admitted that the steps were not enough to control inflation that broke the backbone of the poor class.
In his public address, the prime minster mentioned the plight of Gaza people in the wake of the Israel offensive, saying: “More than 40, 000 Palestinians were martyred in Gaza.”
He also condemned Indian brutalities in Kashmir, saying: “The story of atrocities in Kashmir is also heartbreaking.”