PM touts ‘reconciliation’ as hallmark of PDM govt

Shehbaz says coalition govt’s one year marks success story of overcoming tough challenges


Our Correspondent April 11, 2023
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the National Assembly on April 3, 2023. PHOTO: APP

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ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday hailed the policy of “reconciliation and cooperation” instead of “confrontation and vendetta” during his first year in office, claiming that the government “largely succeeded” in its endeavours.

In a series of tweets marking one year since he took oath as the prime minister following the exit of Imran Khan from office through a no-confidence motion in April last year, Shehbaz reflected on the developments and achievements of his government.

“Today marks the completion of one year since I took oath as the PM of a coalition government. This has been a time of massive challenges and difficulties. It was a long journey, but sustained efforts made it possible,” he said in one of his tweets.

“I can inform people that over the last one year, we have largely succeeded in establishing Pakistan’s credibility as a partner and friend,” he tweeted. “All predictions of default turned out to be false alarms. Sincere efforts are under way to revive the economy,” he added.

On April 11 last year, Shehbaz took oath of office after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was voted out by the National Assembly through a no-confidence motion brought by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in the wee hours of April 10.

Shehbaz recalled that the passage of no-confidence vote against Imran-led government was unprecedented, as it brought political forces together “to use the forum of parliament to vote out an unpopular govt” through constitutional means.

He hailed the convergence of political parties with different manifestos on a common national cause represented a “major step forward” in the country’s political evolution. “Reconciliation and cooperation instead of confrontation and vendetta marked the new politics post-April ’22.”

He said despite the economic landmines laid by Imran and the disruptions in global fuel and food supply lines, Pakistan’s economy continued to stay afloat. The government, he added, painstakingly, repaired, rebuilt and deepened Pakistan’s diplomatic relations that were dealt a severe blow by the “Niazi regime”.

He also highlighted the government’s rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts following the unprecedented floods in the country last year.

In the last one year, he said, the coalition government made efforts to diversify the energy mix with an aim to provide relief to the citizens.

Shehbaz pointed out that geo-strategic rivalries, increase in fuel and food prices, as well as historic floods were some of the key factors responsible for inflation.

“Mindful of its impact, the government has expanded social safety net and provided targeted subsidies,” he continued.

Under the watch of the PDM government, Pakistan managed to exit the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, thanks to the excellent inter-ministerial coordination as well as support extended by the military leadership, the prime minister mentioned.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)

COMMENTS (2)

test | 1 year ago | Reply Of course reconciliation seems the way forward for me. Pakistan can produce its own crude oil and gas. Pakistan can produce local products and raw materials. Pakistan has a lot of gold coal copper and of course shale oil. We can grow vegetables fruits wheat flour and rice etc. We can grow dry fruits. We can build dams for energy water and agriculture. We can grow cotton. We can live like a stable country with stable economy. If elite class is there then I am sure they will not allow progress because it goes against their personal interests.
test | 1 year ago | Reply Pakistan can produce its own crude oil and gas. Pakistan can produce local products and raw materials. Pakistan has a lot of gold coal copper and of course shale oil. We can grow vegetables fruits wheat flour and rice etc. We can grow dry fruits. We can build dams for energy water and agriculture. We can grow cotton. We can live like a stable country with stable economy. If elite class is there then I am sure they will not allow progress because it goes against their personal interests.
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