Tag: PM Shehbaz Sharif

  • PM Shehbaz plans major constitutional amendments for judicial system reform

    PM Shehbaz plans major constitutional amendments for judicial system reform

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that the government intends to present a constitutional amendment draft for the approval of both Houses of Parliament this week, ending long-debated speculations, to bring about significant changes in the judicial system.

    While addressing a dinner for MNAs of his own and allied parties in the PM’s house, Sharif said that certain elements are busy undermining government performance but they would be helpless under the upcoming amendments.

    Earlier, many YouTubers and journalists speculated about the government’s alleged plans to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa through an upcoming judicial package; however, both the government and the CJP denied the claims.

    He also asked coalition members of the parliament to ensure their attendance from September 10 till the adjournment of the current session.

    Jang News reported that the government has attained a two-thirds majority in the Houses of Parliament for the proposed constitutional amendment.

    Meanwhile, The News reported that the two major amendments include removing the suo motu powers of the superior judiciary and establishing a constitutional court under the Nawaz-Benazir Charter of Democracy signed in June 2006.

  • PPP prepared for fresh elections if PM dissolves Assembly

    PPP prepared for fresh elections if PM dissolves Assembly

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal government was given a veiled threat by its ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), that the party is prepared to go into fresh elections if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chooses to dissolve assemblies.

    PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari said on Neo, ‘’If the government is in danger, then the Prime Minister should dissolve parliament and go for new elections.’

    Furthermore, he questioned the ruling party’s leadership for not ‘‘sharing details with PPP if it is facing any danger.”

    He also alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is an ‘’untrustworthy man who takes U-turns in politics as a matter of pride.’’
    Bukhari says that President Asif Ali Zardari had offered to mediate and help negotiate political disputes, but ’’someone should express willingness to sit and talk.’’

    Though not part of the ruling coalition, PPP is a key ally of the governing

  • PM Shehbaz plans shutdown of loss-making govt institutions

    PM Shehbaz plans shutdown of loss-making govt institutions

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced on Saturday that government institutions causing substantial financial losses will face closure in the coming months.

    Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister cited the Pakistan Public Works Department as an example, labeling it a financial burden on the nation. “I have made the decision to shut down institutions that drain resources instead of contributing to our progress,” he stated, revealing the formation of a ministerial committee to oversee this process.

    “I will return to you with further updates in the coming months,” PM Shehbaz affirmed, emphasizing the significance of these measures in reducing expenditure and conserving funds.

    Highlighting recent diplomatic achievements, the Prime Minister referenced successful investment commitments secured during his visits to China and the Middle East. He began his address by addressing the situation in Palestine and the issue of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

    Reflecting on the political landscape, PM Shehbaz discussed the performance of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) post the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence in 2022.

    Celebrating his government’s completion of 100 days in office, the Prime Minister underscored recent reductions in petrol and diesel prices announced on Friday. “We must foster an environment conducive to investment, business, and education for our talented youth,” he asserted.

    PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of cultivating domestic investment before seeking foreign investments, envisioning Pakistan’s self-reliance and advancement ahead of its neighbors.

    Regarding economic achievements, he pointed to the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s rise to 77,000 points as a testament to the positive reception of the government’s recently unveiled federal budget.

  • Not a message of love; Khawaja Asif clarifies PM Shehbaz’s message

    Not a message of love; Khawaja Asif clarifies PM Shehbaz’s message

    After Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Narendra Modi on being elected as the Prime Minister of India, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif tried to clear the air that there wasn’t a “message of love.”

    “It is just a diplomatic compulsion to congratulate Modi on becoming the Indian PM,” stated Asif speaking on the Geo News programme Capital Talk on Monday.

    He also said that Pakistan would never forget that Modi is a “murderer of Muslims” in India.

    Modi is the second person in India’s political history after Jawaharlal Nehru to serve a third consecutive term as prime minister.

    However, this time Modi’s party did not win an outright majority but with the support of 14 regional parties in his BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

  • PM Shehbaz rejects FBR’s sales tax hike and carbon tax proposals

    PM Shehbaz rejects FBR’s sales tax hike and carbon tax proposals

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected two significant budgetary proposals put forth by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) aimed at increasing revenue.

    The proposals included raising the standard rate of sales tax from 18 to 19 per cent and imposing an 18 per cent sales tax on petroleum products, often referred to as a “carbon tax”.

    The FBR had suggested a 1 per cent increase in the sales tax rate, projecting an additional revenue generation of Rs40-50 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. However, Prime Minister Sharif declined this proposal, citing the potential for immediate inflationary effects on the general public.

    In response, the Prime Minister directed the FBR to enhance its enforcement and administrative measures and to draft alternative proposals targeting untaxed or under-taxed sectors of the economy. Additionally, he instructed the FBR to consider proposals to increase taxes on non-essential and luxury items.

    The second proposal, which aimed to impose an 18 per cent sales tax on petroleum products, was also rejected due to its likely inflationary impact on the public.

    According to sources, out of the total proposed measures worth Rs1,200 billion to Rs1,300 billion by the FBR, the government is anticipated to approve measures amounting to approximately Rs400-500 billion.

  • Shaandar renovation? Government approves more than Rs16 crore for renovating Shehbaz’s office

    Shaandar renovation? Government approves more than Rs16 crore for renovating Shehbaz’s office

    The government on May 7 approved a supplementary budget worth Rs147 billion for various expenses including more than Rs36 crore for renovating the Prime Minister Office and expenses for the employees of the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Corporation.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved a budget of Rs162.5 million for renovating the PM’s Office, the Express Tribune has reported.

    The ECC of the Federal Cabinet authorized the financial decisions, including increasing the federal government’s wheat procurement quota by another 400,000 metric tonnes.

    Punjab farmers have suffered due to the flawed decision-making of the past caretaker government which imported 3.5 million tonnes of wheat despite domestic surplus.

    Correspondingly, the government also allowed borrowing Rs41.5 billion to buy the commodity from farmers at Rs3900 per 40kg rate.

  • Rana Sanaullah appointed PM Shehbaz’s adviser on political affairs

    Rana Sanaullah appointed PM Shehbaz’s adviser on political affairs

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab President Rana Sanaullah as his adviser on political and public affairs.

    The President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Sanaullah as the PM’s advisor.

    Rana Sanaullah served as the interior minister during the previous government but lost his seat in the general elections 2024 in the National Assembly (NA-100) constituency in Faisalabad.

    Sanaullah’s appointment came just after a day Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was given the additional role of Deputy Prime Minister.

    Sanaullah had recently hinted at the possibility of him taking a role in the federal government, stating that Nawaz Sharif would decide the matter after coming back from his China visit.

  • ‘PM Shehbaz works 26 hours a day’ says Senator Irfan Siddiqui

    ‘PM Shehbaz works 26 hours a day’ says Senator Irfan Siddiqui

    During a talk show on Neo News, Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) recounted an exchange where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, when questioned about his work routine, quipped, “I operate on a 26-hour day.”

    The senator was impressed with the dedication and work ethic of Prime Minister Shehbaz and when he asked the PM about an extra two hours a day then PM replied, “I sleep in those two hours”.

    The senator then stated that given the work discipline of PM Shehbaz, it is logical that he depends on assistants.

    People on social media have some things to say about the 26-hour day of Prime Minister Shehbaz.

  • PM Shehbaz congratulates newly elected lawmakers in by-polls

    PM Shehbaz congratulates newly elected lawmakers in by-polls

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated newly elected members of the national and provincial assemblies for winning the by-polls on Sunday.

    He said that the victory of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates in by-polls is a sign of people’s trust on the party. “We sincerely thank people who voted for the Muslim League-N in the by-election.”. The PM also assured Pakistanis that his party will do every possible things to server them.

    He observed that along with clear signs of economic progress, people were starting to notice a shift in public opinion. The victories of PML-N candidates were seen as the public recognizing the government’s efforts in fixing the economy, lowering inflation, and enhancing foreign relations. He hoped that as the economy continued to improve and public satisfaction grew, people’s opinions would keep changing positively.

    He also said international financial institutions, news agencies, and surveys covering economic improvement have a positive impact on public opinion.

    The PM said that the non-political behaviour of the opposition after the February 8 elections had also left its supporters confused and disappointed.

  • ‘Pakistan’s economy performed best under Nawaz Sharif’: Bloomberg

    ‘Pakistan’s economy performed best under Nawaz Sharif’: Bloomberg

    An analysis by Bloomberg Economics reveals that Pakistan’s economy witnessed its best performance in the past three decades under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who served as Prime Minister thrice.

    The report compares economic indicators during Sharif’s tenure with those of his rivals, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), using a misery index that combines inflation and unemployment rates.

    According to Bloomberg Economics, the analysis utilized an average of the misery index values over the years when each major political party ruled Pakistan since 1990.

    The results indicate that Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) outperformed both PTI and PPP in managing economic challenges.

    With general elections scheduled for February 8, Bloomberg suggests that Nawaz Sharif seems poised to return to power for the fourth time, especially as Imran Khan faces legal issues and incarceration.

    Despite Khan’s popularity, with a 57% approval rating according to a recent Gallup poll, Sharif has experienced a surge in popularity from 36% to 52% in the past six months.

    The past three decades saw the PML-N rule Pakistan four times under Sharif and his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif. The PPP under the Bhutto dynasty has held power three times, while Khan was in office for a four-year term ending in April 2022 when he was ousted from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote.

    “Bloomberg Economics used an average of the index values over the respective years when each of the major political parties ruled the country since 1990. A higher value indicates more economic hardship for citizens,” the publication said, explaining its conclusions.

    Bloomberg Economics Misery Index Results for Pakistan showed the Pakistan Muslim League scored 14.5 percent, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf 16.1 percent, and the Pakistan Peoples Party 17.2 percent.

    Pakistan is currently grappling with economic challenges, including seeking a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Inflation is close to 30 percent in Pakistan, the currency was Asia’s worst performer last year and foreign exchange reserves have slumped.

    The incoming government, as per IMF conditions, will need to implement potentially unpopular policies such as withdrawing subsidies and raising taxes. The IMF forecasts a 2% growth in Pakistan’s economy for the current fiscal year after experiencing a contraction in the previous year.

    Despite the positive economic indicators during Sharif’s governance, the report underscores the formidable tasks awaiting the new government in addressing the country’s economic hardships.