Pakistan’s sustainable economic development is incumbent upon its political stability as both are mutually inclusive: Shehbaz

LAHORE, Oct 12 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s sustainable economic development is incumbent upon its political stability as both are mutually inclusive.

In his address to traders in Lahore on Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif— whose government’s term ended in August — said: “When the traders’ shop runs, it helps move Pakistan.” “If the economy is stable then development and prosperity will come with it. The country needs economic and political stability,” the former prime minister added.

Reiterating his stance, the ex-premier claimed that his government’s members decided to “compromise their political stake” to “save the state”.

“We did not care about politics when we were in power for 16 months. Had we not saved the state, then our politics would have been buried,” Shehbaz, the younger brother of PML-N supremo Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, said.

Slamming the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) without naming the party, Shehbaz said his government faced sit-ins and threats every day. “Abusive language was used [against us]. The society was polarised. But in order to move forward, we need to end this divide,” he said.

Talking about Nawaz’s return, Shehbaz said the country would begin the road to progress under the PML-N supremo — the three-time former prime minister.

Nawaz is set to return to Pakistan on October 21, with the PML-N gearing up for his welcome. Nawaz is set to address a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan upon arrival.