Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif Addresses National Security Workshop, Highlights Economic Progress and Challenges

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has emphasized the direct link between national security and the economy, stating that economic stability is vital for the nation’s well-being. Addressing participants of a security workshop at the National Defence University, he noted that the country’s economy had suffered due to political disruptions, particularly the protests and sit-ins.
The Prime Minister congratulated the nation on the positive performance of Pakistan’s stock exchange, which recently surpassed the 100,000-point mark. He credited the achievement to the collective effort of the government’s team, stressing that this was not the result of any individual’s efforts, but rather a reflection of the hard work of the entire team.
“National security is directly connected to our economy. Both must progress together,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan is gradually moving in the right direction. He also pointed out that protests and sit-ins, particularly in Islamabad, had caused a severe blow to the economy, with the stock market losing 4,000 points just a few days ago.
Referring to the political unrest, the Prime Minister said, “There was an attempt to create chaos in the country, and Islamabad was stormed to spread disorder. Enemies of the state are working to destabilize Pakistan through hate-driven agendas, and we must safeguard our country.”
On the economic front, Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the country’s precarious financial situation last year, noting that Pakistan was on the brink of default in June 2023. However, he said the government managed to strike a 37-month agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), averting the crisis. He reassured the public that this would be Pakistan’s final agreement with the IMF, with no plans to approach the fund again in the future.
In his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted the resurgence of terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, where tragic incidents have been on the rise. He praised the armed forces for their bravery in combating terrorism and reiterated that the country had suffered a staggering $130 billion in losses during the ongoing war on terror.
Sharif concluded by asserting that despite challenges, Pakistan is on the path to development and progress, and efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure national security will continue.