ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif successfully obtained vote of confidence from National Assembly by securing 180 votes. Announcing results, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that 180 members of house reposed “Complete” confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. Resolution, moved by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, stated, “National Assembly of Islamic Republic of Pakistan reposes its full confidence in leadership of Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

After securing trust vote, PM expressed gratitude to lawmakers who voted for him. He also went up to seat of opposition leader Raja Riaz of PTI to greet him. Addressing NA, he termed 2018 polls “Fraud elections” and alleged that polls were rigged. “Former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar ordered to stop recounting of votes when we challenged election results,” he said. He said that no investigation was conducted into rigging allegations by then CJP. He said incumbent government was importing cheap Russian oil which will arrive soon in country. “If coalition government had been formed as result of foreign-backed conspiracy, it would not have imported oil from Russia.” Criticising opposition PTI, PM reiterated that two assemblies were dissolved at whims of Imran Khan to create difficulties for incumbent government.

Referring to SC judgment in Punjab polls, Shehbaz Sharif said “We don’t accept decision of three-member bench. We accept decision of majority of four judges.”

  Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed best wishes to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his recovery from illness. In tweet, Prime Minister said he feels greatly relieved to learn that his brother President Tayyip Erdogan has recovered from his illness by grace of Allah Almighty. He said that Tayyip Erdogan symbolises essence of brotherhood between Pakistani and Turk nations. Shehbaz Sharif prayed for Turk President’s complete recovery and good health.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 28 2023

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