Pakistan ‘Drowning’ In Debt, Warns PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pic courtesy Reuters

Islamabad: Recently-appointed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday sounded a warning for the people of Pakistan.

“Pakistan is drowning in debt but we have to take the boat to the shore,” Shehbaz said after chairing the first Cabinet meeting since assuming office.

Shehbaz was elected Pakistan’s 23rd PM after Imran Khan lost a vote of confidence on April 10.

After several days of delay, a 34-member Cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday, with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani administering the oath to new ministers after President Arif Alvi decided to stay away.

“I consider it a war cabinet because you are fighting against poverty, unemployment (and) inflation. This is a war against all problems,” Sharif said in his address to the Cabinet.

Blaming the previous PTI government, headed by Imran, Shehbaz said it badly failed to address the issues.

“Today is an important day because we have successfully taken office by constitutionally and legally ousting the corrupt PTI government… This coalition is the most extensive one in the history of Pakistan,” he said, thanking coalition members.