The presence of a PM indicates a willingness to forgive and forget.
Shahbaz urges forgoing ego in favor of political peace for the benefit of the nation, and he refutes the idea that default is near.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended an olive branch to his political adversaries on Monday, saying that all disagreements could be set aside for the good of the country, but he also emphasized that one needed to set aside one’s ego because it always takes two to tango.
However, the prime minister launched a broadside at Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), during a press conference in the nation’s capital, blaming him for all the current national difficulties. He referred to Imran as a liar who focused all of his efforts on destroying the Sharif family rather than serving the general welfare.
The country’s probable default was categorically denied by the prime minister, who added that the administration was working around the clock to manage the economy and provide assistance and support to the populace, especially those affected by the most recent floods.
The prime minister was quizzed on the negotiations with the PTI at the press conference. “All disputes may be set aside for the benefit of the country. For the benefit of the nation, we may advance one hundred steps, the prime minister said.
What sort of discussions can be had with an egotistical liar who even disparages the troops, he continued. I want to inform the populace that this individual is a liar who has nothing to do with the future of the country. We did not enter politics to agree with what the government says. You have to put your ego aside for Pakistan.
When the government took office in April of this year, the economy was in shambles, the prime minister told reporters. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), he continued, “was not willing to trust Pakistan because of the previous [PTI] regime’s breach of agreements, so we had to beg them.
Imran artificially slowed the increase in gasoline prices, and by shifting the cost of the oil price increase to the general public, the current administration sacrificed its political ambitions for the good of the country, he continued. “We had to hike prices since we lacked the resources. If we find a cushion, we’ll definitely pass it along.
The prime minister said that both the civilian and martial law regimes were to blame for the current state of affairs in Pakistan. He emphasised that for now. “There are rumours of Pakistan defaulting every day. You wanted Pakistan to turn become Sri Lanka; do you have no shame? Pakistan won’t default.
He acknowledged that there were still difficulties. Winter has arrived, and there is still a tremendous difficulty. I’m not sure where the funding for the reconstruction will come from, he continued. He said that the government has already distributed Rs470 billion to flood victims.
In response to a different inquiry regarding President Dr. Arif Alvi and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting, the prime minister stated that, in reality, the president had indicated a desire to speak with Dar, adding, “The finance minister met [the president] with my approval.”
Additionally, see Daily Mail’s apology to the PM is an apology to the nation.
Article apology
The unequivocal apology from the British tabloid Daily Mail, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz, was a victory for the 220 million people of Pakistan and stopped an anti-state plot concocted by Imran Khan and his allies.
“They [Daily Mail] finally offered an apology after three years, not to me but to all of you. In addition to millions of mothers and children who benefited from DfID (Department for International Development) programmes to assist their food and health, it was an apology to 220 million Pakistanis, he remarked.
Shahbaz informed the media of the accusations made by the prior administration through the Daily Mail story, claiming that the campaign was primarily intended to malign him, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Imran Khan, he said, “was so cruel, he never imagined that this would not only discredit Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif, but would rather harm Pakistan’s prestige.” As a result, he continued, “Pakistan was made fun of, and it was implied that Pakistan should not receive any grants or aid.”
He informed reporters that the National Crime Agency (NCA) had vindicated Shehbaz Sharif since Shahzad Akbar, the accountability czar for former prime minister Imran Khan, had not shown any evidence to support his claims despite the passage of three years.
The Saudi crown prince had given Imran Khan a watch that was specifically made and imprinted with a model of the Holy Kaaba. The prime minister claimed Imran Khan had committed the “cheapest act” by selling the watch. He demanded an investigation to find out how Imran ruined the economy and harmed Pakistan’s relations with friendly nations.
Shehbaz remembered that during the previous administration, even female politicians like Maryam Nawaz and Faryal Talpur were detained by Imran Khan. However, he granted an NRO (amnesty) to his own sister, who was accused of making a false declaration.
The former head of army staff, Gen. (ret.) Qamar Javed Bajwa, was likewise unappreciative of Imran Khan, according to him, who also claimed that the new army leader was a professional soldier with a distinguished career. Gen. Asim Munir, he thought, would improve the organisation and serve the nation.
Shahbaz said he will call a meeting to assess the situation in the meantime, in response to Sunday’s escalation on the Chaman border. “The massacre of Pakistan’s innocent citizens has been denounced. The government calls on the Afghan government to stop any occurrences like these that can damage the two countries’ relations.
Shehbaz stated that the three times former prime minister has millions of supporters in Pakistan and that he will return to the nation very soon when discussing PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s visit to the nation.
