Lahore: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a bold statement at a public rally recently, declaring that if Pakistan does not surpass India in terms of progress and development, “then my name is not Shehbaz Sharif.”
Inaugurating a number of development projects in Dera Ghazi Khan, in southwestern part of Punjab (Pakistan) province, Sharif told a large crowd and vowed to lead Pakistan out of its current challenges to make it a great nation.
“If we don’t leave India behind, then my name is not Shehbaz Sharif. We will make Pakistan a great nation and move ahead of India,” Sharif said, much to the glee of the crowd.
Sharif proclaimed that Pakistan is destined for greatness and promised to guide the country towards prosperity, according to HUM News English report.
He further said that under his leadership, Pakistan will focus on building a self-sustaining economy rather than relying on loans. Sharif also pointed out that inflation had come down recently, claiming that it had dropped from 40 per cent when his government took charge to just 2 per cent currently.
Social media erupts
Sharif’s remarks triggered a furore on social media, both in Pakistan and India.
Many users on X found his statement amusing, while others joked about the possibility of giving him a new name.
“Dawai nahi liya aaj ka, lost his mental balance,” read one sarcastic comment.
“We’ll have to come up with a new name,” wrote one user.
Another said, “This is the kind of confidence one needs in life.”
“Leave champions trophy they should host clown Olympics.. it will be an instant hit,” read one comment.
Another user simply stated, “What a joke.”
Only this month, Sharif expressed a desire for peaceful dialogue with India, saying that Pakistan was keen to resolve all issues, including the contentious Kashmir dispute, through talks.