In his second term as prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who was elected as Pakistan’s 24th premier on Sunday, promised to bring the nation “back to shore” with the support of allies.
Shehbaz defeated his PTI-backed rival from the Sunni Ittehdad Council (SIC), Omar Ayub Khan, with 201 votes, to win the prime minister’s race today. Khan received 92 votes.
Shehbaz hugged his older brother and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif after National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq made his declaration. Nawaz Sharif had been widely expected to become prime minister after the February 8 elections, but he had stood aside for unspecified reasons in favor of his sibling.
Shehbaz stated that although Pakistan faced many obstacles in his first statement on the floor of the newly elected parliament as the prime minister-elect, these could be surmounted “if we come together and decide to change the country’s fate” by returning it to its proper place.
PTI-backed lawmakers from the SIC chanted phrases from the opposition benches, calling the siblings “thieves”—possibly a reference to their claim that the PML-N stole the mandate given to them by the public—as he acknowledged his brother and associated parties for posing their trust in him by electing him as the leader of the house again.
“Journalists, academics, politicians, religious leaders—there are competent people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore,” Shehbaz continued.
Even though the “job is difficult but not impossible,” he insisted that the PML-N and coalition parties would fulfill their obligations as “Pakistanis, Muslims, and human beings” to lead the nation out of its current dilemma.
“The developments that took place in the nation after my leader, Nawaz, was elected prime minister three times are illustrative of their own. Furthermore, Shehbaz asserted that it is accurate to claim that Nawaz Sharif is credited with creating Pakistan.
In addition, the PM-elect honored close ally and former PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, stating that the country would always “remember his sacrifices.” Bhutto was hung in the past.
“Unlike opponents, the PML-N has never harmed the country.”
Unlike his rivals, Shehbaz remarked, his party could never even consider doing any damage to the nation.
Speaking on the National Assembly floor, he added, “They put the entire opposition behind bars, they had no concern about women or children and used words that cannot be uttered out loud.”
The assembly as a whole attests to the fact that we never considered the politics of retaliation, which is the distinction between this leadership and that leadership.
Shehbaz remarked, “It is shameful that the country saw a day when GHQ, corps commander houses, and airfields were attacked on May 9… such events are unforgettable. Neither a pot was broken, nor any building was ever damaged.”
“frightening debt situation.”
The country’s dire debt situation was bemoaned by the PM-elect, who said that even the National Assembly’s expenses were being covered by borrowing money.
However, if we want to perform a thorough operation and implement fundamental reforms, Asif Ali Zardari, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and others will undoubtedly concur that we have two options: either we may break free from a “life of debt” or we must go on in humiliation.
He said, “No, this won’t happen. We’re going to rise and we’re going to make Pakistan self-sufficient.”
“Assurances to stop stealing taxes and electricity.”
During his second term, Shehbaz pledged to put an end to tax evasion and the theft of power, claiming that he understood the hardship that inflation was causing the general people, particularly the poorer classes.
“In Pakistan, electricity and tax evasion are matters of life and death. With God’s grace, we will eradicate this malignancy from its core and restore the nation’s stability.”
“It is challenging… it’s a protracted and rocky path full of obstacles, but nations that overcame these difficulties emerged as some of the most [developed] nations globally,” Shehbaz remarked, going on to say that he would supervise the abolition of tax evasion and introduce a technological framework that would eliminate any possibility of human error.
He predicted that “this will decrease inflation, increase employment, and grow the country.”
“500,000 students will receive specialized training from this program.“
The administration of PM-elect Shehbaz promised to give 500,000 young pupils specialized training.
The recently elected prime minister went on to say, “These youngsters will not take employment opportunities, but they are going to provide jobs,” adding that part of the training will involve using artificial intelligence and technology.
“Farmer packages and subsidies.”
Shehbaz pledged that his administration will give farmers direct incentives and that a package on solar tube-wells would be unveiled shortly.
He declared, “We will import seeds from the best countries in the world and provide them to farmers. The seed mafia will be eliminated.” He also mentioned that the first batch of these seeds would be given out without charge.
Shehbaz added that the Center would cooperate in the agricultural sectors with all four provinces.
In addition, he pledged to establish an economic climate that would encourage growth and attract foreign investment. He also committed to establishing a network of “one window” export zones throughout all four provinces and working nonstop to deliver on all of his campaign pledges.
“To expand the network of public transit.”
Shehbaz promised to establish an extensive network of effective public transportation throughout the nation.
He continued to speak about his triumph in the National Assembly, promising modern medical facilities and hospitals.
He remarked, “I want to make an announcement here today: we will give all the talented students the chance to study abroad so they can represent Pakistan well around the world.”
Shehbaz added that his administration will endeavor to create a framework that would enable prompt administration of justice.
In addition, he declared that prisoners who had served less than two years, including women and children, would be released.
“May 9 perpetrators will not be pardoned.”
The PM-elect, however, declared that the May 9 rioters would not be pardoned and vowed to take legal action against everyone connected to the attack on public installations.
He added at the same time that everyone who refrained from participating in the disturbances would receive punishment.
Shehbaz pledged that his administration would permanently eradicate terrorism and all of its causes. He declared that advancing the National Action Plan was his goal.
“Praises a female police officer for protecting a woman from a crowd.”
The PM-elect also praised ASP Shehr Bano Naqvi, a female police officer in Lahore, for defending a woman wearing an Arabic-print shirt against a mob attack last week.
Women should not be harassed anyplace, Shehbaz declared, adding that during his administration, they will have equal pay and career chances.
“Free visas for friendly countries.”
Shehbaz declared that visa-free entry into Pakistan would be available to nationals of its fraternal nations, citing the prospect of increased trade between them.
He went on to say that his administration would aim for Pakistan to join the G20 by 2030.
“Criticizes the world’s silence on Gaza.”
The incoming prime minister criticized the world community for its apathy and silence on the circumstances in Gaza and held Kashmir.
He emphasized, “Let us unite and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Palestinians and Kashmiris.”
Shehbaz stated toward the end of his victory speech that the country was more interested in the fruits of “our hard work” than the outcome of the election.
The PM-elect completed his first speech as prime minister for the second time, saying, “The country wants justice.”
“Congratulation to the PM-to-be.”
Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the acting prime minister, congratulated Shehbaz on becoming the nation’s 24th prime minister.
Kakar said on X, “Congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif on being elected as the new prime minister of Pakistan.”
He said, “May your term bring prosperity, advancement, and unity to our beloved nation.”
As per APP, PML-N chief Azma Bokhari greeted the PM-elect as well, stating that under his leadership, growth and prosperity would resume.
She stated that Shahbaz would lead Pakistan out of the economic whirlwind and vicious cycle since his top priorities are stopping price increases and ensuring the country’s economy recovers.
“The next five years will see those who are destined to weep continue to do so. Under the vibrant leadership of Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N government will operate in Punjab and throughout the federation with the same dedication to providing public service.
Shehbaz was likewise congratulated by Chinese President Xi Jinping on being elected premier.
Xi stated that he is confident Pakistan would make significant strides toward national growth and progress under the direction of Sharif, the new Pakistani administration, and the combined efforts of Pakistanis from all walks of life.
Premier Li Qiang of China likewise congratulated Sharif on the same day.
