Shehbaz Sharif addresses media post-UNGA session

ISLAMABAD: Following his attendance at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the media about his discussion with different world leaders, during a press conference.

Shehbaz spoke with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, British Prime Minster Keir Starmer, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, president of World Bank Ajay Banga, and Managing Director of the Intentional Monetary Fund (IMF), among others.

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While briefing the media, Shehbaz talked about the significant of representing the concerns of Pakistani public on a global platform.

He condemned the recent turmoil and violence by Israel in Lebanon and called  for an immediate ceasefire. He also denounced Israeli brutality against Palestinians in Gaza and demanded a truce in the region, along with end of Israeli occupation and the establishment of the state of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The PM also advocated for a proper Palestinian representation within the United Nations. Currently, Palestine is not a recognised state, only holding an observer status within the UN.

Shehbaz also addressed the ongoing situation in Kashmir. He stated that the Kashmiri people have been engaged in their struggle for independence from India for almost a century now.

The PM described the region as having been stained with the blood of the natives fighting for their basic rights due to the oppression inflicted by the Indian forces in the world’s most militarised zone.

Shehbaz reiterated the need for an end to the violence in Kashmir, while also stating that Kashmiris had the right to self-determination.

On the economic front, Shehbaz acknowledged the significant issues Pakistan is facing. He claimed that the previous administration had nearly led the country to default. However, his government had ‘successfully’ navigated the crisis over the past 16 months.

The PM mentioned that a standby agreement with the IMF and noted that the international organisations acknowledged Pakistan’s progress towards development.

Shehbaz reported a decrease in the inflation rate from 32 per cent the previous yet down to 9.6 per cent today. He also noted a recent 2 per cent cut in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The PM said he was hopeful about the inflation and skyrocketing prices stabilising in coming weeks.

Shehbaz also called for an expansion of the tax base, stating that the burden of sacrifice had historically fallen on the commoners. He urged the wealthy to contribute to national development. The PM stated that it a was time for those with resources to share in the ‘sacrifices’ necessary for progress.

He voiced his gratitude towards Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China for their support in facilitating the IMF programme. He said that the contributions of the Fiance Minister and Treasure Secretary in the programme’s implementation.

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Shehbhaz also mentioned an end to the extensive load shedding on electricity throughout the country. He claimed that the government was committed to improving the country’s conditions.