PM Shehbaz stresses importance of country's 'strong security' ahead of budget presentation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that no nation can handle its matters “if its security is not strong”. He made the remarks during a federal cabinet meeting that had been called to approve the budget before it is laid before the parliament. “Today, we are presenting the third budget of our government,” the premier noted. “I believe that no nation can handle its matters, let alone make progress, if its security is not strong,” the prime minister stressed. He acknowledged that “despite our best efforts”, the government had to impose taxes in the past two budgets due to the “national and IMF requirements so that the economy […] could be stabilised and the avenues for progress could be expanded”. The prime minister added: “Definitely, the common man had to face many difficulties due to it, and I, on my own and the cabinet’s behalf, would like to thank the 240 million people of Pakistan who tolerated the inflation with patience.” PM Shehbaz highlighted that inflation had declined to single-digit from 38 per cent in the past two years, before increasing slightly due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. He further highlighted that the policy rate had also dipped to 11pc from 22.5pc during the period, but had to be raised due to the impacts of the US-Iran war. At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz said he attended the funeral prayers of “martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty”, which included two Christians. “It was a heart-wrenching scenario that brought tears to every eye,” he said, recalling his meeting with the families of the martyred personnel. More to follow