Islamabad (HRNW)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that it is not acceptable for ordinary citizens to continue making sacrifices while privileged segments of society continue to enjoy special benefits, emphasizing that the government has taken measures to ensure that austerity begins with the ruling structure itself.<\/p>\n
The remarks were made during a meeting with women parliamentarians from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), where the Prime Minister welcomed the lawmakers and thanked them for their active participation in the ongoing budget session. The meeting focused on the federal budget, economic conditions, regional developments, and public welfare initiatives.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government had made every possible effort to provide relief to the people in the budget despite economic challenges. He noted that several measures had been included to promote women\u2019s empowerment, increase their participation in the national mainstream, and provide them with greater opportunities for economic and social development.<\/p>\n
He stated that empowering women remains one of the government’s top priorities and is essential for Pakistan\u2019s long-term progress and prosperity.<\/p>\n
Discussing regional developments, the Prime Minister said that, by the grace of Allah, tensions in the region had eased and efforts aimed at promoting peace had achieved positive results. He expressed gratitude to friendly countries for supporting peace initiatives and acknowledged the role of Pakistan\u2019s leadership and institutions in maintaining regional stability.<\/p>\n
Shehbaz Sharif said that since the beginning of regional tensions, the Government of Pakistan, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other members of the government team, had worked diligently to support peace efforts.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister emphasized that sustainable peace is essential for economic development, not only for Pakistan but for the wider region. He highlighted the government\u2019s efforts to shield citizens from global inflationary pressures, stating that effective planning prevented shortages and fuel crises while enabling the government to provide significant relief to middle- and low-income groups.<\/p>\n
He said that during recent economic challenges, sacrifices began with the cabinet and government institutions because it was not possible for the people to bear hardships while the elite continued to benefit from privileges.<\/p>\n
According to the Prime Minister, the government allocated Rs 128 billion in subsidies and implemented a wide-ranging austerity program to ease public difficulties. He also appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments and the support of the public in maintaining economic stability.<\/p>\n
Shehbaz Sharif described the newly presented budget as people-friendly and aimed at boosting industrial activity and promoting an export-oriented economy. He said that the government\u2019s focus in the coming fiscal year would remain on water resources, information technology, agriculture, and the minerals sector to strengthen Pakistan\u2019s economic foundation.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, women parliamentarians praised the Prime Minister\u2019s efforts to promote peace and economic stability. They also appreciated initiatives included in the budget to enhance women\u2019s empowerment and presented recommendations related to education, healthcare, youth employment, industry, communications, food security, and development projects in their constituencies.<\/p>\n
The meeting was attended by a large number of women members of parliament as well as senior federal ministers and government officials.<\/p>\n
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