Faltering economy, rising political instability, resurgence of terrorism will test new premier
ISLAMABAD: newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the parliament after taking oath as Pakistan 24th prime minister, here on Sunday.—MM photo
Shehbaz Sharif emerged as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan, securing 201 votes on Sunday, marking the culmination of the ‘controversial general elections’ that unfolded in the country 24 days ago. The pivotal threshold to assume the office of the prime minister was set at 169 votes. Following the vote count, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq declared Shehbaz’s victory with 201 votes, while his opponent, PTI’s Omar Ayub, garnered 92 votes. In the absence of a single party securing a majority in the assembly, Shehbaz secured the premiership with the backing of PML-N’s allies, including PPPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, BAP, and others. The newly formed government faces formidable economic challenges.
High inflation, unemployment, the ongoing IMF program, potential engagement for a fresh IMF loan to address the balance of payments situation, debt restructuring, formulation of a new resource-sharing formula between the Centre and provinces, National Finance Commission (NFC), and privatization of loss-making state-owned entities await the new coalition government. Managing a coalition government itself presents a challenge for the newly elected prime minister.
Immediately after the speaker announced Shehbaz as the new prime minister, PTI-SIC lawmakers surrounded the newly-elected PM’s chair, chanting slogans. The assembly resonated with chants of ‘Sher’ and ‘Chor.’ Amid the enthusiastic atmosphere, PM Shehbaz commenced his inaugural speech. Notably, Shehbaz delivered the speech beside his elder brother and three-time former PM, Nawaz Sharif, who was elected as MNA but opted out of the prime ministerial race just days after the general elections. In his maiden address as the 24th prime minister, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to PML-N’s allies and his brother, three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the country. PTI-backed lawmakers chanted slogans of ‘Chor’ as Shehbaz addressed the assembly as the newly elected Leader of the House. Shehbaz acknowledged the transformative development that occurred in the country during Nawaz Sharif’s three terms as the prime minister.
Shehbaz expressed regret over how the PML-N was treated during the tenure of the PTI government, citing unjust incarcerations and a lack of concern for women and children. “We will rise, and we will make Pakistan self-sufficient,” he asserted, acknowledging the hardships faced by the people due to soaring electricity and gas prices. “Electricity and tax thefts are a matter of life and death for Pakistan,” he added, outlining the challenging journey ahead but expressing confidence that overcoming these obstacles would pave the way for Pakistan’s prosperity.
