Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that coalition government is making all-out efforts to bring economy out of prevailing quagmire and put the country on path of development and prosperity.
Talking to a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) in Islamabad, the premier said that the fears of default have been ended now due to prudent policies of the government, the Radio Pakistan reported.
About ongoing talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF), PM Shehbaz expressed the confidence that agreement with the IMF would be inked very soon.
He said the government is cognizant of the sufferings of common people due to prevailing situation.
PM Shehbaz lauded the role of all coalition partners for running government's affairs effectively saying that the government is united and moving ahead to bring country out of present situation.
To control inflation, the premier said that the government is committed to ensuring austerity and providing relief to poor especially during Ramazan.
PM Shehbaz said friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and China extended support to Pakistan in trying times.
The prime minister also spoke on the face-off between law enforcement agencies and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters at Lahore’s Zaman Park where the party workers clashed with police to block former premier Imran Khan's arrest in Toshakhana case.
The prime minister pointed out the “naked defiance” of Imran Khan and making fun of the state institutions by his no-show in courts.
“First time in Pakistan, a so-called political person is considering himself above law. Non-appearance in courts is tantamount to violation of law,” he said.
PM Shehbaz recalled that Imran Khan used to hit at politicians with unlawful tactics and was now trying to defy the rule of law.
He mentioned that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders including himself, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah were dragged in fake cases by the previous government, but still appeared before the courts.
“The government is not taking action on its own, but on the court order,” he said in reference to yesterday’s movement of police with regard to Imran Khan’s arrest warrants.
On Toshakhana case, he said Imran Khan who called himself an ‘honest person’ was in fact a liar, who even sold a wrist watch with model of Holy Ka’aba.
He mentioned the change of Toshakhana policy by his cabinet wherein only the gifts up to $300 could be retained on payment of requisite amount.
Speaking about the polls, the premier said the federal government was committed to fulfill its constitutional obligation of holding election and would act as per the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
“No one should have a doubt on us regarding evading the elections. We will whole-heartedly participate in election and will follow whatever decided by ECP,” the premier said.
Shehbaz Sharif said it was up to the ECP to decide over the matter, however, as president of the PML-N, he had directed his party to finalize names of ticket-holders.
He said the government was cognizant of the fact that timely election led to a stronger State and its progress.
PM Shehbaz added that the government had initiated work on census and the funds had been released despite financial constraints.