Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the National Assembly will be dissolved before August 12 in consultation with allied parties. Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, he confirmed that the Election Commission will subsequently announce the date for the next elections.
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Regarding the caretaker prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif asserted that the decision will be made after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. He also emphasized that prior to this decision, he will seek input from all the allied parties and Pakistan Muslim League (N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif.
Reflecting on his government’s performance, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that during the last 15 months, Pakistan successfully averted default with the support of prayers from the people. He emphasized that the country’s status and dignity were restored among friendly and brotherly nations.
The Prime Minister further disclosed that his government procured cheap oil from Russia and signed an agreement with Azerbaijan to receive one cargo of cheap gas every month. He criticized the PTI chief, alleging that despite the decrease in gas prices after COVID-19, the opposition focused on targeting the opposition instead of seizing the opportunity to purchase cheap gas.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that no corruption cases emerged during his tenure. He proudly noted that Pakistan witnessed a bumper wheat crop, and cotton production was projected to surpass previous years.
He spoke about the formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, which aims to drive economic recovery, attract foreign investment, promote agricultural development, equip youth with IT skills, and tap into the country’s mineral resources. Both federal and provincial governments are working together to achieve the council’s goals.
Addressing measures to provide relief to the people, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that the federal government raised the salaries of government employees of grade 18 and below by 35 percent, and those above grades 18 by 30 percent, along with increasing pensions by 17.5 percent. The government of Punjab also followed suit and raised the salaries of its employees by the same percentage.
To ensure fair taxation, the government imposed super tax on the income of wealthy individuals and big business houses in sectors such as sugar, cement, and others. Additionally, after extensive consultations, taxes were levied on the tobacco sector, and scanners were imported to facilitate accurate tax valuation on the tobacco industry.
