PM Modi Congratulates Shehbaz Sharif: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shehbaz Sharif for becoming Pakistan’s new Prime Minister. Shehbaz, who led a coalition of six parties including his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was sworn in as Pakistan’s 24th Prime Minister by President Arif Alvi on Monday.
The congratulatory message from PM Modi signifies diplomatic acknowledgment of the new leadership in Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif’s victory and assumption of office mark a significant political development in the country’s history.
The coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif indicates a shift in political dynamics within Pakistan. With the support of multiple parties, his government is expected to address various challenges facing the nation, including economic reforms and security issues.
PM Modi’s gesture of congratulation highlights the importance of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. It signifies a willingness to engage with the new leadership and work towards cooperation and stability in the region.
On X, PM Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to ‘CMShehbaz’ on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”
Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2024
Shehbaz’s Political Journey
During the swearing-in ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by his elder brother Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and other members of the PML-N party. Representatives from the PPP, including Murad Ali Shah and Sarfaraz Bugti, were also present. Shehbaz Sharif had been appointed by the PML-N leader to negotiate with other parties to form a coalition government.
Apart from the PPP, Shehbaz received support from various other parties including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Pakistan Muslim League (Z), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the National Party. These alliances indicate a broad-based coalition government under Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
Shehbaz Sharif takes charge of Pakistan during a challenging period, as the country faces various problems including a struggling economy and administrative issues. In his previous term as Prime Minister after the removal of Imran Khan in 2022, inflation soared to 38%, and the value of the Pakistani rupee dropped significantly due to reforms needed to stabilize the economy under an IMF program.
Shehbaz Sharif assumed leadership of the PML-N after his elder brother’s disqualification from office in 2017 following allegations of concealing assets revealed in the Panama Papers. Despite these challenges, Shehbaz is known in Pakistan for his political acumen and administrative skills. He has previously served as Chief Minister of Punjab province three times and is credited with completing crucial infrastructure projects in the country’s most populous province.
Now, as Prime Minister, Shehbaz faces the task of addressing these economic and administrative issues while steering Pakistan towards stability and growth. His experience as a seasoned politician and administrator will be instrumental in navigating the country through these challenges and implementing necessary reforms for the betterment of Pakistan and its people.
Becoming Pakistan’s Prime Minister was not an easy journey for Shehbaz Sharif. On Sunday (March 3), he won the election by securing 201 votes, as announced by the newly-elected National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. His opponent, Omar Ayub Khan from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, managed to get 92 votes. However, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) party, supported by Khan, claims that the national election was rigged and is demanding an audit of the polls. Since no single party won a majority, forming a government became a complicated process.
Even though candidates backed by Imran Khan gained the most seats, the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) decided to join forces with MQM-P and other parties to form a coalition government. This decision allowed Shehbaz Sharif to be elected as Prime Minister, as his brother stepped aside. To win the contest, Shehbaz needed to secure at least 169 votes in the 336-member house.
Shehbaz’s Victory
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the election, Shehbaz’s victory marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan’s political landscape. As he takes on the role of Prime Minister, he faces the task of leading the country through its various challenges and fulfilling the expectations of the people who voted for him.
When Shehbaz became Prime Minister, there were loud protests from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) party supported by Imran Khan. Lawmakers demanded Khan’s release and shouted slogans accusing Shehbaz of winning through election rigging.
Pakistan faces significant challenges, particularly in its economy. Inflation remains high, sitting at around 30%, and economic growth has slowed to approximately 2%. Shehbaz Sharif’s main focus in this area will be to maintain relationships with the military, which has played a significant role in Pakistan’s governance since its independence.
Another crucial task for Shehbaz is to secure a short-term bailout from the IMF, as the current program is set to expire next month. A new extended deal is necessary to guide Pakistan towards economic recovery. Shehbaz is viewed as more agreeable and cooperative by Army generals compared to his elder brother, who has had a strained relationship with the military.
Addressing these economic challenges and maintaining stability in Pakistan will require effective leadership and cooperation among various stakeholders. Shehbaz Sharif’s ability to navigate these complexities will play a vital role in determining Pakistan’s future trajectory.
While the military heavily influences defense and important foreign policy choices, Sharif will need to balance relations with major allies like the US and China. Additionally, he must address strained relationships with three of Pakistan’s four neighboring countries: India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Managing these diplomatic relations will require skillful navigation and diplomacy. Sharif will need to engage in dialogue and negotiation to mend fraying ties and promote regional stability. The complexities of these relationships will demand careful attention and strategic decision-making from Sharif’s government.
Maintaining positive relations with both the US and China is crucial for Pakistan’s geopolitical interests and economic development. Likewise, addressing tensions with neighboring countries is essential for regional peace and security. Sharif’s ability to handle these diplomatic challenges will greatly influence Pakistan’s standing on the global stage and its prospects for stability and prosperity.
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