Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong satisfaction with his government’s recent achievements, pointing to key victories in economic reform, education, and national defence.
Speaking at the URAAN Pakistan Summer Scholars Programme, the prime minister emphasised that long-overdue changes are finally bearing fruit.
Shehbaz Sharif revealed that by eliminating corruption from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and digitising its operations, revenue from a single sector surged from Rs12 billion to Rs50 billion. He added that many similar sectors remain untapped and can significantly expand Pakistan's tax net in the near future.
“When we took office in 2023, Pakistan was on the brink of economic collapse,” the prime minister said. Inflation was at a staggering 38%, and interest rates had skyrocketed to 22.5%. Thanks to collective effort and difficult policy decisions, Pakistan stabilised its economy, reducing interest rates to just 11% today.
Shehbaz credited his administration’s success to teamwork, tough decisions, and reform without political pressure, especially during negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which helped steer the country away from default.
The prime minister emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to economic reform in Pakistan, describing it as a top priority alongside structural changes and a merit-based system.
Shehbaz also highlighted his government’s transparent and merit-based approach to youth programs, including the distribution of laptops and scholarships. "We’ve invested in education not as charity, but as a long-term national asset," he said, noting that millions of Pakistani students are now pursuing higher education, including at prestigious global institutions.
Turning to environmental concerns, the PM stressed that Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. The 2022 floods alone caused losses exceeding $30 billion, despite Pakistan contributing minimally to global emissions.
He also touched on rising regional tensions, especially after the Pahalgam attack, reiterating that Pakistan had offered transparent investigations—an offer India never responded to.
Highlighting military readiness, Shehbaz proudly recalled how Pakistan shot down six Indian jets in response to hostile actions, particularly on the morning of May 10. “Our nuclear program exists solely for defence, not aggression,” he added firmly.
In closing, Shehbaz reaffirmed that the path of economic reform in Pakistan is ongoing and that merit, transparency, and national interest will remain at the core of future policies.
