PM Shehbaz Sharif Says Public Should Not Bear Burden While Elite Enjoy Privileges
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that it is unacceptable for ordinary citizens to make sacrifices while the elite continue to enjoy privileges, emphasizing that the government has sought to share the burden of economic challenges fairly.
The remarks came during a meeting with female members of parliament belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The prime minister welcomed the lawmakers and thanked them for their active participation in the ongoing budget session.
During the meeting, participants discussed the federal budget, the national economy, regional developments, and various public welfare initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government had made every possible effort to provide relief to the public in the budget despite difficult economic conditions. He noted that several measures had been included to empower women and increase their participation in the national mainstream.
“Empowering Pakistani women and enabling them to play a greater role in national development remains one of the government’s top priorities,” he said.
The prime minister also expressed satisfaction over the easing of regional tensions, saying that efforts to restore peace had been successful. He thanked friendly countries for their support in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that from the very beginning of the crisis, the Government of Pakistan, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the entire government team, worked sincerely to ensure peace.
He stressed that lasting peace in the region and across the world is essential for achieving economic prosperity, not only for Pakistan but for other countries as well.
Highlighting the government’s economic measures, the prime minister said authorities had taken extensive steps to shield citizens from the effects of global inflation. As a result, Pakistan avoided major crises and shortages, including long queues for fuel.
He added that effective planning by the government, combined with cooperation between federal and provincial administrations, helped protect citizens from hardship while enabling the delivery of a historic relief package for middle- and low-income groups.
Referring to austerity measures, Shehbaz Sharif said sacrifices began with the federal cabinet and government institutions.
“It is not possible for the public to make sacrifices while the elite continue to benefit from privileges,” he said.
The prime minister revealed that the government provided Rs128 billion in subsidies and launched a broad austerity campaign to ease public difficulties. He also thanked provincial governments and the people of Pakistan for their cooperation in maintaining economic stability.
Despite economic challenges, he said, the government had presented a people-friendly budget that would accelerate industrial activity and promote an export-oriented economy.
According to the prime minister, the government’s priorities for the next fiscal year include water resources, information technology, agriculture, and minerals, which are considered key sectors for strengthening the economy.
He expressed confidence that the positive economic effects of improved regional stability would eventually benefit the public.
“These achievements are the result of the collective efforts of Team Pakistan,” he said, adding that the government would continue working toward economic stability, development, and public welfare.
The female parliamentarians appreciated the prime minister’s efforts for peace at the regional and international levels and praised the government’s initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, education, and equal opportunities.
Participants also presented recommendations related to public welfare projects, education, healthcare, youth employment, industry, communications, food security, and other development sectors.
