- PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF ADDRESSES THE NATION
- Says Govt to unveil relief package for motorcyclist and rickshaw drivers
ISLAMABAD, May 27: Following the government’s decisions to increase the prices of petroleum products by Rs30, Prime Minster Shehbaz Sharif has addressed the nation.
At the beginning of his address, the premier said that assuming the office of the prime minister at this crucial time was not easy.
“I would like to thank my leader Nawaz Sharif and the leaders of our allied parties for trusting me with this office,” he said.
Criticising the former, PTI-led government and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, PM Shehbaz said that “it was the demand of the people of Pakistan to rid them of the previous incompetent and corrupt government.”
Speaking about the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) programme, the premier said that it was Imran Khan’s government that had accepted the tough conditions laid forth by the fund.
“It was your government that caused inflation in the country,” he said. “When we formed the government, we had to face the worst economic crisis of all times.”
Prior to the address, the prime minister chaired a meeting with the government’s allies during which the PM took the leaders in confidence regarding the negotiations with the IMF, the increase in prices of petroleum products, and other issues, sources privy to the matter said.
The PM held consultations on providing relief to the nation and about the targeted subsidies on motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles up to 800cc. The targeted subsidies will be provided through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which will benefit 12.5 million people, sources added.
The coalition government has decided to complete its constitutional term
till August 2023.
A day prior, the government had announced a massive hike in the price of petroleum products after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasised abolishing the subsidies on commodities.
Finance Minister Miftah Ismail had said the government decided to hike the price of petrol, diesel, kerosene oil, and light diesel by Rs30, effectively from May 27.-NNI
