- Expresses gratitude to bureaucracy for support, guidance during 16-month tenure
- Reveals several cabinet members forwent perks, privileges due to difficult economic situation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized greater unity, cohesion and solidarity to steer the country out of challenges and put it on the path to prosperity.
Addressing the staff of PM House and PM office on the occasion of luncheon hosted in their honour here on Thursday, PM Shehbaz recalled that our ancestors rendered immense sacrifices for a Pakistan where all the people had equal opportunities to excel in their fields. He regretted that we deviated from our path.
“It is time to renew the pledge to follow the teachings of Holy Quran, Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as well as those of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal to foster unity in our ranks”, he underscored.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 10, 2023
He said we should serve the country in such a manner that rids it of loans and take us on the path of self-reliance. He said this is not an impossible task but only requires sacrifice and sheer dedication and devotion to work.
Alluding to the austerity measures taken during the past 16 months of his stint, Shehbaz Sharif said given the difficult economic situation, several cabinet members decided to forgo their perks and privileges.
The Prime Minister noted that by saving our resources, we could spend them in eradicating poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. He pointed out that God Almighty had blessed Pakistan with immense minerals, fertile land and a capable human resource. He said we can exploit this potential by putting our efforts together saying this will also enhance the country’s image in the comity of nations.
The Prime Minister was appreciative of the support, advice and guidance provided to him by the staff of PM House and PM Office over the last 16 months. On the occasion, the staff of the PM House presented a portrait to the Prime Minister.
Earlier, the Prime Minister distributed commendation certificates amongst the staff of the PM Office and PM House.
Bureaucracy lauded for cooperation, guidance during 16-month stint
In another ceremony held here, PM Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed his gratitude to the bureaucracy for their support and guidance throughout the 16-month tenure, enabling the coalition government to sail through tough circumstances.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing a farewell meeting held in the honor of Federal Secretaries in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/83TK6asgRM
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 10, 2023
The prime minister, in his farewell interaction with the federal secretaries, said despite being hugely diverse, the 13-party coalition government ran the affairs smoothly with utmost cooperation and prudence, also setting an example of the practicability of the coalition government.
He said during the 16 months, the bureaucracy also faced some difficult scenarios but the will to do something productive for the people of Pakistan paved the way.
براہِ راست: وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کی تمام وفاقی سیکریٹریز سے الوداعی ملاقات کی تقریب میں شرکاء سے گفتگو https://t.co/FKn9elS8oW
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 10, 2023
The prime minister lamented the past practice of unnecessarily criticizing and victimising competent officers which adversely impacted public service. He said just like the politicians, the officers were also victimised and their families harassed.
He said the civil service faced a severe blow during the devolution due to very reason, some of the youngsters also opted to join other services.
Mentioning the systemic delays in the execution of 10,000MW solar energy project, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for establishing robust systems to ensure the smooth execution of projects.
He said the incumbent government ensured the completion of various public welfare projects which had been halted by the previous government.
Recounting the achievements of his government, the prime minister said the signing of the IMF agreement was a great success otherwise the situation could have been disastrous for the country.
He said the credit for all the successes achieved by the government also went to the federal secretaries as they had been serving diligently during the challenging circumstances, particularly floods.
