Govt striving to alleviate people’s economic woes: PM Shehbaz

Lahore: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government was cognizant of the economic difficulties facing the masses, and despite numerous challenges, the government has increased the salaries of government employees in the next fiscal year budget.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sabzazar Sports Complex in Lahore, he said that the common man today faces great economic difficulties and a person earning between Rs40,000 and Rs50,000 is struggling to make ends meet.

The government, he said, has jacked up 17 per cent increase in pensions of retired public servant. He said that the budget, presented with the joint efforts of the government and its allies, has met all conditions put forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The premier said that that he has reached out to the IMF managing director assuring the lender that Pakistan will fulfill all conditions attached to the loan.

It is anticipated that an agreement with the IMF will be reached later this month.

Taking about the May 9 events, he said that they were not less than an enemy attack. He said that Pakistan’s history was replete with numerous incidents but no one in the past ever attacked military installations.

“Those involved in the May 9 incidents will face penalties. This action will serve as a deterrent to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The prime minister vowed to serve the nation as long as he was alive. He asked people not to worry, expressing the hope that Almighty Allah will always keep Pakistan safe.