Shehbaz Sharif Addresses Kashmir and Diplomatic Relations in Inaugural Address as Pakistan’s Prime Minister
Islamabad, 03-03-2024 : Pakistan’s newly-elected Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, in his inaugural address on Sunday, addressed a range of critical issues, including the Kashmir conflict, while also emphasizing his commitment to fostering improved diplomatic relations with nations worldwide, including neighboring countries.
Despite his pledge to steer clear of international power struggles, Shehbaz underscored the importance of expanding Pakistan’s circle of allies. He stressed the need for equitable ties with neighboring nations, advocating for diplomacy based on principles of equality and mutual respect.
During his address, Shehbaz raised the longstanding Kashmir issue, drawing parallels with the situation in Palestine. He called for solidarity in support of the freedom of both Kashmiris and Palestinians, urging the National Assembly to pass resolutions in their favor.
Expressing gratitude to his coalition partners for their support, Shehbaz credited his predecessor, Nawaz Sharif, for his role in advancing Pakistan’s development during his tenure as prime minister. He highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s contributions to nation-building, portraying him as a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s progress.
Having secured a comfortable victory in the National Assembly, Shehbaz emerged as Pakistan’s prime minister for the second time. His nomination as the consensus candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) signaled broad-based support within the political landscape.
In acknowledging the challenges confronting Pakistan, particularly its fragile economy, Shehbaz pointed to a daunting budgetary deficit exceeding one trillion rupees. He expressed concerns over meeting financial obligations, including salaries for the armed forces and civil servants, underscoring the urgent need for economic reform.
Highlighting the heavy burden of debt servicing, Shehbaz emphasized the pressing need to address the country’s mounting interest payments, signaling a commitment to tackle economic challenges head-on as his government takes office.
Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s newly-elected Prime Minister, outlined a comprehensive vision for addressing the country’s economic challenges and fostering national development in his inaugural address. He shed light on the dire state of the energy sector, attributing its woes to mounting debts owed to power-producing companies. Additionally, he drew attention to the significant losses incurred by state-owned entities like Pakistan International Airlines, indicating the magnitude of the financial crisis facing the nation.
Despite the daunting hurdles ahead, Shehbaz expressed unwavering determination to lead Pakistan towards prosperity. He pledged to embark on a path of development, vowing to overcome obstacles and deliver tangible results. While refraining from setting specific deadlines, he assured the public that positive outcomes would begin to materialize within a year, driven by a series of strategic measures aimed at revitalizing the economy.
Shehbaz emphasized the importance of attracting investment and fostering economic growth to achieve self-sufficiency. He pledged to establish “one window” export zones across all provinces, streamlining processes to facilitate trade and commerce. Asserting his commitment to national progress, Shehbaz underscored the pivotal role of talented individuals across various sectors in steering Pakistan towards a brighter future.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenges ahead, Shehbaz remained resolute in his belief that collective efforts could transform Pakistan’s destiny. He urged unity and collaboration to surmount obstacles, expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome adversity and reclaim its rightful position on the global stage.
Amidst disruptions from opposition lawmakers, Shehbaz reaffirmed his commitment to upholding democratic values and fostering reconciliation. He condemned past incidents of violence and political vendettas, calling for accountability while emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation to address pressing issues.
Shehbaz also criticized his political rivals for resorting to divisive tactics and undermining national institutions. He pledged to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all, condemning impunity and vowing to hold wrongdoers accountable.
As he prepares to assume office, Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership is poised to confront the multifaceted challenges facing Pakistan head-on, guided by a commitment to economic reform, social progress, and democratic governance.
