Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday claimed the prevailing cooperation between the government and national institutions was at higher levels than ever before.
“I want to say this without hesitation that in my 40-year-long political career, I have never seen the level of cooperation between the government and the constitutional institutions that exist today,” he claimed during an address at an Ulema, Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad.
Since the formation of the PMLN-led government after the Feb. 8 general elections, the military has repeatedly expressed its “full support” for ongoing efforts to achieve economic stability and growth. However, the government has often run foul of the judiciary, with lawmakers warning in various public interactions of an impending “constitutional breakdown.”
In his speech, the prime minister praised the partnership between Army chief Gen. Asim Munir and the government, declaring it in the country’s best interest. This cooperation, he said, would prove a role model for future governments.
Maintaining he would not waste time criticizing past governments, Sharif emphasized the need to address prevailing social and economic challenges. He lamented the “collective” shortcomings of the past 77 years and called for an acknowledgment of past mistakes and successes alike.
Regretting that the country had not achieved its desired status in the comity of nations, the prime minister maintained it was not too late. Much, he said, could be done if all citizens decided to “live our lives according to the guidelines of the holy Quran.”
In an apparent reference to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s alleged role in the May 9 riots, when mobs attacked various civil and military installations, Sharif stressed on the need to “recognize” anyone claiming to be Pakistani but acting against its interests.
Sharif also maintained that the incumbent government was working to provide relief to the general public, adding the primary focus was ridding the country of its economic problems. He said he had discussed the issue with both Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as the Army chief.
The premier lamented that his government had “no choice” but to enter an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new bailout, and hoped it would be the country’s last.