On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the public has chosen to support practical economic policies over disruptive political tactics, prioritizing measures to combat inflation and improve living conditions.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he highlighted that the focus should shift from organizing rallies to enhancing people’s lives. He cautioned that using harsh language and promoting disorder would not lead to progress, calling on provinces and institutions to focus on solving the public’s pressing issues.
“The public is looking for relief from rising prices, solutions to their issues, and progress in the economy,” the prime minister remarked. “We can consider organizing rallies in 2028 for the upcoming elections, but at this moment, our responsibility is to deliver on our commitments to the people.”
Shehbaz stressed the urgency of prioritizing economic concerns over political events, stating that the country’s economic recovery depends on political stability. He warned that creating chaos would only hinder efforts to provide relief.
He praised the public for supporting economic growth by ensuring political stability and noted that national unity is essential for sustaining progress. “National unity will be the cornerstone of a prosperous economic future for Pakistan and relief from inflation,” he said.
The prime minister emphasized the need for collaboration among political parties, institutions, and provinces to tackle the country’s persistent economic and security challenges. “We must join forces to resolve economic problems and fight against terrorism,” he stressed.
Reflecting on previous political instability, Shehbaz regretted the lost time and stressed that further delays would harm the nation’s interests. He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s progress, citing that inflation had dropped to single digits.
“Thankfully, inflation has returned to single digits, and the economic situation is improving,” he remarked, pointing to positive trends such as rising exports, a stable rupee, growing remittances, and lower interest rates.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program would be the last for Pakistan, declaring that completing it successfully would be a significant achievement. He urged all provinces and institutions to contribute to solving the public’s problems.
His remarks come as he prepares to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27. According to the Foreign Office, Shehbaz is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 23.
During his address, he plans to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the UN’s efforts to promote global peace and prosperity. He will also focus on critical issues, including Palestine and Kashmir while advocating for reforms in international economic relations and emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and rising Islamophobia.
During his five-day trip, the prime minister will participate in several high-level meetings, including discussions on the challenges posed by rising sea levels and a Security Council debate on leadership for peace. He will also hold bilateral talks with world leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, to discuss advancing sustainable development goals.
The high-level UN General Assembly session presents a key platform for Pakistan to share its views on significant regional and global issues. Prime Minister Shehbaz aims to center both domestic and global development efforts around people’s needs, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter and its role in promoting peace and prosperity as it prepares to serve as a member of the UN Security Council for 2025-26.
