Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, on his reappointment as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for the second term. The formation of a coalition government, delayed due to the recent uncertain national election nearly four weeks ago, has finally been resolved.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi congratulated @CMShehbaz on his inauguration as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
On Monday, Shehbaz Sharif assumed office at a swearing-in event held at the presidential office in Islamabad, the nation’s capital. This followed his election as prime minister by parliament, despite objections from lawmakers supporting imprisoned former premier Imran Khan.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly-elected Prime Minister convened the inaugural meeting with his finance team. He instructed them to initiate discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an extended funding facility, as per a report by Reuters. The existing agreement is set to expire in April.
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In his triumphal address at the National Assembly following his re-election as the 24th prime minister, marking his second term since 2022, the 72-year-old graciously expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his elder brother and three-time former premier, Nawaz Sharif, as well as his allies. He acknowledged their trust in him and their decision to support him in leading a coalition government, following a recent election that resulted in a hung Parliament.
Sharif asserted that his administration would safeguard the nation from entanglement in geopolitical maneuvers, aiming instead to nurture friendly ties with neighboring countries founded on principles of equality.
“We will maintain equitable relations with our neighbors,” stated Shehbaz. Despite this, he brought up the Kashmir matter, drawing parallels with Palestine.
The February 8 election was tainted by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence during its preparation. The notably delayed results led to allegations of election fraud.
Khan-backed candidates secured the majority of seats, yet the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) opted to collaborate in establishing a coalition government. The PML-N, led by Shehbaz Sharif’s elder brother, the three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, refrained from assuming the role of prime minister.
Younger Sharif reassumes his previous role, which he had stepped down from in August when parliament disbanded in preparation for the election.
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