Islamabad Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during his visit to the Pakistani High Commission in London, emphasized that Pakistan is rapidly progressing on all fronts, including the economy, foreign relations, and defense. He stated that economic stability has been achieved, and the country is now moving towards sustained economic growth.
Addressing delegations of overseas Pakistanis, the Prime Minister acknowledged the difficult economic period Pakistan faced in the past. He credited the current government’s success to sincerity, hard work, and teamwork, highlighting that everyone has played their part in achieving the set goals.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that through cooperation, consultation, sincerity, continuous efforts, and the unity of thought and action, Pakistan can overcome all challenges and continue its development. He noted that Pakistan has earned respect and prestige in the international community. Recalling Pakistan’s military victories, he said the country’s stature grew significantly after defeating its adversaries.
Referring to his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Prime Minister said he represented the Pakistani people effectively and voiced their concerns. He highlighted that he drew international attention to the issues of Kashmir and Palestine and expressed hope that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir will achieve freedom one day.
Commenting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the unparalleled atrocities faced by the people there. He expressed hope that consultations led by former U.S. President Donald Trump with Arab and Islamic countries would yield positive results. The Prime Minister said over 64,000 Muslims, including women, children, and elderly, have been killed in Gaza and prayed for peace and an end to oppression in the region.
He described his meeting with President Trump in Washington as constructive and beneficial, underscoring that it marked a milestone for enhanced relations between Pakistan and the United States. The Prime Minister also praised overseas Pakistanis as valuable assets and great ambassadors of Pakistan who serve their homeland with dedication.
During the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar also highlighted the Prime Minister’s impactful representation of Pakistan at the UNGA. He noted that leaders from eight countries—including five Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt) and three non-Arab Muslim countries (Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia)—held talks with the U.S. President on the Gaza issue, which are expected to produce positive outcomes.
Ishaq Dar said the Pakistani leadership engaged in nearly two dozen meetings during the UNGA, advocating Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, Palestine, and Gaza before the international community.
The delegation emphasized that since taking office in April 2022, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has steered Pakistan away from economic default. They recalled that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had propelled Pakistan’s economy to the 24th largest globally, but four years of mismanagement pushed it down to 47th. Currently, the situation is improving, with economic stability restored—interest rates have dropped from 22% to 11%, and inflation has been reduced from 30% to 5%.
The government’s efforts are aimed at lifting Pakistan’s growth trajectory, which will lead to poverty reduction, overall development, and increased per capita income. They affirmed that Pakistan’s progress is visible and gaining international recognition.
Overseas Pakistanis attending the meeting praised the Prime Minister’s address at the 80th UN General Assembly session, commending him for powerfully presenting Pakistan’s viewpoint. They expressed pride in how he has globally highlighted the Kashmir issue, with his speech being among the most widely listened to at the General Assembly.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also recorded his impressions in the guestbook at the Pakistani High Commission.
