Party presidentship is trust of Nawaz Sharif, I will return this trust on his return: PM

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Nawaz Sharif would return from abroad to lead the country to progress and prosperity after becoming prime minister for the fourth time.

Speaking after his re-election as President of Pakistan Muslim League(N) for a four-year term at the party’s Central General Council meeting on Friday, he said Nawaz Sharif was the builder of modern Pakistan and during his tenure as prime minister he eliminated energy shortages, laid down the network of roads, built infrastructure and developed agriculture, industry and other vital sectors of the economy.

He said the party presidentship is trust of Nawaz Sharif and he will return this trust to him on his return to the country. "I want Nawaz Sharif should come, contest the next election and become the prime minister for the fourth time," he declared.

The prime minister said that the government had given the relief to the common man in the budget despite difficulties. "Our horns are locking with the IMF." He said that a liar had termed the present government imported one. "From where the Russian oil came if it was the imported government. A person misled the people in the name of cipher and the imported government. He said that Pakistan would win if Modi won," he added.

He thanked the General Council for re-electing him as its new president and his associates for the leadership positions in the party.

He lauded Maryam Nawaz for courageously leading the party all across Pakistan despite all the difficulties that came in her way. He said 60 percent of the population of the country were youth and Pakistan Muslim League-N needed young leaders for the future.

He appreciated workers of the party for standing by PML-N despite going through hardships in jails and facing difficulties, adding similarly party leadership also stood its ground and faced oppression and suffering with courage and determination.

He said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was working hard to steer the country’s economy out of the present difficulties. "Those who are unduly criticizing Ishaq Dar have no place in the party," he added.

The prime minister said that the government met all the conditions of International Monetary Fund (IMF) for meeting financial needs of the country.

He reminded that the PML-N had spent its political capital for the sake of the state at a time when inflation was high and international commodity prices skyrocketed.

Despite difficult economic conditions, common man was given relief in the budget and salaries were raised by 35 percent and pensions by 17 percent, he noted adding Pakistani nation was brave and would emerge from the current challenges. He said that his government signed agreement with Azerbaijan to import gas and bought oil from Russia.

He criticized Imran Niazi for spreading lies and false propaganda for his ulterior motives and to mislead people.

The PM said that Nawaz Sharif had a comprehensive policy on Kashmir and he forcefully raised the issue of Kashmir at the international forums, including the United Nations.

"Every Pakistani was ready to offer sacrifices for the freedom of Kashmir and no compromise would be made on the rights of Kashmiri people," he added.