ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Sunday that the National Assembly will be dissolved before August 12 in consultation with allied parties.
During an interview with a private news channel, he confirmed that the National Assembly’s tenure will conclude on August 12, and prior to that date, the assembly will be dissolved. The Election Commission will then announce the schedule for the upcoming elections.
PM Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that the decision about the caretaker prime minister will be made in consultation with the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, and before that, he will seek input from all allied parties and Pakistan Muslim League (N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif.
Reflecting on his government’s performance, he expressed that Pakistan was saved from default in the last 15 months due to the prayers of the people. The country’s stature and dignity were restored among friendly and brotherly nations.
Regarding energy deals, he highlighted that the government purchased affordable oil from Russia and signed an agreement with Azerbaijan, ensuring the regular supply of cargo at a suitable price. The aim is also to buy cheap gas from Qatar.
PM Shehbaz Sharif criticized the PTI chief for allegedly neglecting the opportunity to buy cheap gas amid the COVID-19 situation when gas prices dropped to three dollars. He accused the PTI of focusing on targeting the opposition and showing negligence in addressing the economic issues.
Emphasizing the lack of corruption during his tenure, he proudly mentioned a bumper wheat crop and expected better cotton production than in previous years.
He also mentioned the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to drive economic recovery, attract foreign investments, foster an agricultural revolution, equip youth with information technology skills, and exploit mineral resources. Both federal and provincial governments will collaborate to achieve the council’s goals.
Discussing measures to provide relief to the public, he stated that the government increased the salaries of government employees in grade 18 and below by 35 percent and for those above grade 18 by 30 percent, along with a 17.5 percent increase in pensions. The Punjab government also raised salaries for its employees by the same percentage.
To generate additional revenue, the government imposed a super tax on the income of wealthy individuals and prominent business entities involved in the sugar, cement, and other sectors. Taxes were also levied on the tobacco sector after numerous consultations, and scanners were imported to ensure the accurate valuation of taxes on the tobacco industry.