TRUE to his reputation, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, in his maiden address after his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan, delivered a relief-oriented, structured and inspiring address, conveying an unambiguous message that the reins of power were now in safe hands.
In his comprehensive speech, the new chief executive of the country spoke at length on problems and challenges facing the nation and initiated the process of course correction in a visionary manner.
The message he put across through his reconciliatory tone and measures announced would, hopefully, go a long way in addressing immediate concerns of the people and economic woes of the country.
On the foreign affairs front, he categorically stated that Pakistan wanted to have good relations based on sovereign equality with all countries especially big ones and extended an olive branch to India for talks but declaring emphatically that there would be no compromise on Pakistan’s principled stand on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Mindful of the fact that the back-breaking price-hike was the top most concern of the masses, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a relief package envisaging 10 per cent increase in salaries (for those drawing up to one hundred thousand rupee a month) and pension of civil servants and military personnel, a substantial increase in the minimum wage (from the exiting Rs 21,000 to 25,000), sale of subsidized wheat flour during Ramazan, revival of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and reintroduction of highly beneficial and widely hailed laptop scheme for talented students.
It is quite understandable that all the policies that triggered tsunami of inflation during the last three and a half years cannot be rolled back within days and, therefore, the decision to grant immediate relief would help mitigate sufferings of the people.
There are already indications of a healthy impact of the political change on the economic situation as rupee strengthened against dollar, stock exchange witnessed biggest one day gains and prices of gold came down by Rs 900 in a day.
Shahbaz also declared that as “Khadim-e-Pakistan,” he would do his best to bring the country out of crises and would take all provinces along in his efforts for the progress of the country.
The Prime Minister reiterated his known stance that relations with the United States and European Union would be strengthened as the country cannot afford any strain in mutual ties with its largest trading partners.
Similarly, he vowed to take the multi-dimensional relationship with our time-tested friend, China, to new heights, adding that the work on the somewhat stalled initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be implemented with ‘Pakistan Speed’.
This assurance augurs well as the country suffered immensely in terms of socio-economic gains due to the lacklustre attitude adopted by the PTI Government towards this project of vital interest.
Shahbaz’ declared intention to focus on further cementing of ties with Saudi Arabia is also understandable as mutual ties and cooperation could not blossom as per expectations and aspirations of people of Pakistan due to the jaundiced approach of some elements in the PTI Government.
The Prime Minister also did well by announcing to hold an in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security to discuss all aspects of the ‘Lettergate’ and hopefully this would clarify the situation vis-à-vis allegations of a foreign-funded conspiracy for a regime change in Pakistan.
The most important element of his speech was that there would be no political victimization or witch-hunting as was the practice during the previous regime.
He announced following the policy of dialogue and consultation to take the country forward, adding they intend to pursue the policy of dialogue, and not deadlock, and reconciliation and not division.
This policy is the need of the hour but unfortunately the new Government has not received reciprocity from the new opposition.
It has widely been noted with concern that PTI has chosen not to demonstrate the sportsman spirit as was highlighted by its decision to quit assemblies and denial of normal courtesies to the new Government by constitutional offices of President and Speaker.
The President is considered to be a symbol of federation but Dr Arif Alvi preferred to demonstrate his personal loyalty to the party than to discharge his constitutional responsibilities in a neutral manner.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker’s decision to adjourn Monday’s session of the National Assembly abruptly after the speech of the new PM has not gone well with the majority of the people.
One fails to understand what PTI wants to achieve by adhering to its questionable policy of ‘no talks’ with other parties, be it in the government or in the opposition.
