On Monday, the government demonstrated its parliamentary strength through separate dinner receptions hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari. Insiders revealed that the ruling coalition has secured the crucial number of 224 votes in the National Assembly, sufficient to pass constitutional amendments.
During the events, both leaders emphasized the importance of unity to navigate the country’s current challenges, strengthen parliamentary democracy, and enhance political stability for Pakistan’s development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif updated coalition members and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the government’s legislative agenda for the current National Assembly and Senate sessions. He directed all members to remain in Islamabad and expressed gratitude for their cooperation. It was agreed that the proposed amendments would be presented in parliament during this session.
Shehbaz highlighted a decrease in inflation to 9.6% in August, attributing it to the government’s economic measures, and anticipated further reductions in September. He noted that efforts to prevent economic collapse, initiated in April 2022, were beginning to yield positive results. The prime minister underscored the importance of addressing common people’s issues and ensuring their economic well-being as part of the government’s development goals.
He also emphasized the priority of digitizing the economy and the ongoing efforts by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to achieve this. Additionally, the government is working on reducing expenses through rightsizing and downsizing, and ensuring political stability and policy continuity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the inappropriate language used at a recent political rally and received strong support from parliamentarians for his efforts towards economic stability.
Separately, President Asif Zardari hosted a dinner for parliamentarians from the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and the Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Attendees included Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, various governors, and other notable figures.
In his address, President Zardari called for tolerance, mutual respect, and strengthened democratic institutions. He advocated for political, economic, and governance reforms to improve public service and economic prosperity. Zardari urged rising above partisan interests and focusing on the welfare of the people, criticizing the politics of confrontation. The parliamentarians offered suggestions for stability and relief measures and praised the president for his wisdom and vision in achieving consensus on national issues.
