Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs28-billion relief package for low-income households, saying that a cash disbursement of Rs2,000 per family will be made, while a 'Charter of Economy' will be discussed with political parties.
In a short address to the nation on Friday, his first since assuming office after the ouster of Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence last month, the prime minister said 14 million families will benefit from this measure, which would be made in addition to disbursement under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
“The nation wanted to get rid of the incompetent and corrupt previous government," said the prime minister as he began his address.
I also want to announce that we will map out a Charter of Economy. I call on all political parties for consultation on this charter so that no elected government can harm the country’s economy for political gains and ensure economic continuity and stability
"Therefore, all opposition parties paid heed to their call and made this change possible within the ambit of the Constitution.
"I have never witnessed such disaster in my entire political career spanning over three decades what the previous government unleashed upon this nation during its tenure.
"This was the sole reason we took up the challenge to take over the government under extremely difficult circumstances."
In an apparent reference to Imran Khan, the prime minister added that "this person is damaging the national cause for this own political agenda.
"The country will be run as per the law and not according to his wishes."
PM Shehbaz said that the previous government entered the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, and agreed to the conditions set forth by the lender. "We didn't agree to those terms. It was your (PTI) government.
"If we are facing an economic crisis today, it is solely because of your bad decisions."
The prime minister said that the government has increased prices of petroleum products, but will look after the low-income households.
"I am announcing a Rs28-billion relief package. We will give a disbursement of Rs2,000 per family, which would be in addition to the Benazir Income Support Programme. We will accommodate this in the upcoming budget.
"I also want to announce that we will map out a Charter of Economy. I call on all political parties for consultation on this charter so that no elected government can harm the country’s economy for political gains and ensure economic continuity and stability."
His address, which began after a lengthy delay of almost three hours, came after the government rather abruptly hiked the prices of all petroleum products by Rs30 per litre after the IMF emphasised the termination of energy subsidies to revive its bailout programme for Pakistan.
In his maiden speech to the nation on Friday, the premier said as part of his relief package poor families across the country will be paid Rs2,000 each to cope wit the rising inflation.
“We took the tough decision to increase the fuel prices as global [petroleum] prices are rising... the previous government provided subsidies on fuel for political gains,” he added.
“This tough decision is an important step to steer the country out of crisis and stabilise.”
The premier said the stipend will be given to the deserving families through Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and added that the government-run utility stores across the country have been directed to sell a 10kg flour bag at Rs400.
He blamed former prime minister Imran Khan’s government for destroying the country’s economy, saying that the last PTI regime accepted the tough conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which he said made the lives of the masses miserable.
Ex-PM Imran was ousted from power on public demand and through democratic means, Premier Shehbaz added. “The people of Pakistan demanded to get rid of the incompetent and corrupt rulers. That is why we accepted the challenge.”
He added: “We are ready to make tough decisions and we will take all those decisions necessary for the prosperity of the country.”
Recalling the last tenure of the PML-N, PM Shehbaz said his party built several developmental projects and ended load-shedding from the country.