Shehbaz Sharif sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. President Arif Alvi administered him the oath at a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The ceremony was attended amongst others by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan and other parliamentarians.
Earlier upon arrival, Shehbaz Sharif was given guard of honour at the Prime Minister House as he assumed the responsibilities of the office.
He inspected the guard of honour and took the salute. On the occasion, he also met with the staff of the PM House.
A day earlier, Shehbaz Sharif was elected as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan. Announcing the results, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Shehbaz Sharif, the joint candidate of PML-N and allied parties, secured 201 votes. Sunni Ittehad Council’s candidate Omar Ayub Khan bagged 92 votes.
It is the second time that Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the prime minister of the country. He was the prime minister during the PDM-led government from April 2022 after the ouster of PTI founder Imran Khan,
Chief of Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Akhtar Mengal who was present in the house abstained from voting. Shehbaz Sharif later went to the desks of the allied parties to express his gratitude to them.
PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council candidate Omar Ayub Khan thanked his party lawmakers for supporting him.
After being elected, Shehbaz Sharif invited the opposition for a “Charter of Reconciliation” to effectively address prevailing challenges and the take the country towards progress and prosperity.
In his maiden speech in the National Assembly, e categorically stated that they have no personal egos and the other side also needs to follow the suit for the sake of Pakistan. He mentioned that they had earlier proposed Charter of Economy for the country’s benefit.
Shehbaz Sharif said people have given a split mandate in the general elections; and those having reservations about election results need to approach the appropriate forums.
He emphasized the destiny of the country can be changed and it can be taken to the path of self-reliance through collective decisions.
Highlighting his government’s priorities, he announced plans and reforms to address challenges in different sectors. He said outdated laws will be done away with to create conducive environment for business and investment in the country.
He said visa free entry will be given to the entrepreneurs from friendly countries. He directed the banks to also give loans to the youth for promotion of small and medium enterprises. He said a network of export zones will be spread across the country with the cooperation of provincial governments by ensuring one window facility.