Following his election as the 24th Prime Minister with an impressive 201 votes, Shehbaz Sharif took a conciliatory approach, reaching out to the opposition by proposing both a ‘Charter of Economy’ and a ‘Charter of Reconciliation’ to collectively address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
During his extensive speech in the National Assembly, he recalled his earlier offer of the ‘Charter of Economy’ during his time as the opposition leader in 2018.
Shehbaz urged the opposition to consider his proposal seriously, emphasizing the importance of wisdom over noise-making and calling for collaboration for the betterment of the country. Despite the opposition’s vocal dissent during his speech, Shehbaz remained committed to fostering a spirit of cooperation.
Touching upon various topics, the newly elected Prime Minister discussed key issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and significant challenges like mounting foreign and domestic debts and circular debt in power and gas sectors. His speech emphasized the need for systemic reforms, particularly in state-owned enterprises and tax systems.
The Prime Minister-elect, flanked by former Premier Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, shared his vision for the future, including plans to combat inflation, high living costs, and energy sector challenges. He expressed optimism about overcoming these obstacles within a year while acknowledging the difficulty of the journey.
Shehbaz also extended an invitation to the opposition to collaborate on electoral reforms to address concerns of rigging in future polls. He highlighted the principle of democracy, stating that the majority should form the government after a split mandate.
In addition to outlining initiatives for education, health, and agriculture, Shehbaz pledged to launch a countrywide public transport network and focus on empowering women and supporting youth through loans. He stressed the importance of a business-friendly environment, tax collection, and foreign direct investment.
Receiving felicitations from leaders worldwide, including China and Iran, Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for their support and underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral relations. He condemned the continuous bombardment in Gaza, advocated for minority rights, and emphasized the protection of women’s rights.
The Prime Minister-elect concluded by pledging to lead the country to progress and prosperity, promising transformative measures, and assuring that his government would work towards a brighter future for Pakistan. Members of his party, as well as opposition leaders, offered their congratulations and expressed hope for positive changes under the new leadership.