Pakistan making rapid progress on all fronts: PM

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday stated that Pakistan is making rapid progress across economic, foreign relations, and military fronts, with the economy now achieving stability. He expressed confidence that the country is poised for further growth and development.

Speaking to Overseas Pakistanis at the Pakistan High Commission, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Pakistan’s economy had faced significant challenges in the past. “All the achievements made by the present government were the result of sincerity, hard work and team effort and everyone played his role in attaining the goals,” he said.

“We can overcome every difficulty and make progress with cooperation, consultations, sincerity, persistent efforts and unity of thought and action,” he added, emphasizing that Pakistan has earned dignity and respect on the global stage.

Recalling Pakistan’s past military victories, he noted that the country’s stature had risen internationally after its success in war. During his recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he represented the people of Pakistan, advocating for their cause and reflecting their sentiments, particularly highlighting the issues of Kashmir and Palestine.

“Kashmir will gain its freedom one day,” he stated, while condemning the brutal oppression faced by the people of Gaza. He expressed hope that the Arab-Islamic countries’ meeting, chaired by US President Donald Trump, would yield encouraging results regarding the Gaza crisis.

The Prime Minister also mentioned his recent “constructive and productive meeting with President Trump in Washington in a cordial atmosphere,” which he described as a foundation for enhancing Pakistan-US relations.

He praised Overseas Pakistanis as “a precious asset, great ambassadors of Pakistan” who serve the country with dedication and vitality.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking on the occasion, lauded the Prime Minister’s effective representation of Pakistan at the UNGA session. He noted that eight countries—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia—held meetings with the US President to discuss Gaza, with ongoing talks expected to produce positive outcomes.

Dar highlighted that Pakistani leadership actively raised critical issues such as Kashmir, Palestine, and Gaza before the international community across about two dozen meetings during the UNGA.

He praised the Prime Minister for saving Pakistan from economic default after assuming office in April 2022. “Pakistan’s economy, which was made the 24th largest by Nawaz Sharif, later plummeted to 47 due to mismanagement over the next four years,” Dar observed.

“Now the conditions have improved, economic stability is attained, interest rate is down to 11 percent from a high of 22 percent and inflation has decreased to five percent from 30 percent,” he added.

Dar said that Pakistan’s ongoing progress would help eliminate poverty, boost development, and increase per capita income, with global recognition of the country’s achievements.

Meanwhile, delegations of Overseas Pakistanis met with the Prime Minister at the Pakistan High Commission, appreciating his address at the 80th UNGA session. They praised him for effectively presenting Pakistan’s stance, particularly on the Kashmir and Palestine issues.

They expressed pride that the Prime Minister’s speech was among the most widely heard at the UNGA, acknowledging his strong voice on these critical disputes.

The Prime Minister also recorded his impressions in the guest book at the Pakistan High Commission.