Pakistani leader uses address in Jahaniyan to praise armed forces and tout economic progress, while offering rare praise for his niece, Maryam Nawaz
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: In a sweeping address that blended assertions of military triumph with pledges of economic renewal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that a rival nation could “never until Judgment Day recover from the defeat in the battle of truth.” The speech, delivered to a gathering of party loyalists, positioned national security and domestic prosperity as the twin pillars of his government’s agenda.
The Prime Minister credited the nation’s armed forces with securing a resounding success, stating unequivocally that divine providence had granted the country a great victory. He reserved specific praise for the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and lauded the air force, under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu, for having struck what he described as a decisive blow.
Striking a markedly optimistic chord on the home front, Mr. Sharif insisted his administration was steadfastly steering the country toward an era of development and prosperity. He claimed that all key economic indicators were now showing marked improvement and asserted that the nation had set a new, powerful example of economic stability and diplomatic success on the world stage.
His commentary extended beyond national borders, as he reflected on international crises. The Prime Minister described the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza as a major humanitarian service, expressing a sense of pride in the role his country had played in global diplomacy. He issued a call for unity, urging all domestic political forces to rise above their partisan differences and collaborate in the overarching national interest.
The address was punctuated by a moment of notable personal endorsement, as the Prime Minister offered public praise for his niece, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He asserted that she and her team had set a new example of public service, which he attributed to their hard work, honesty, and sincerity.
Further weaving a narrative of global engagement, the Prime Minister highlighted recently strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and recounted his meetings with international figures, including former US President Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, before delivering the political speech, the Prime Minister had undertaken a more somber duty. He visited the home of MP Mohammad Khan Daha in Khanewal to offer personal condolences on the passing of his father, Irfan Ahmed Khan Daha, a senior leader within their party.
