ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated his commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating that Pakistan’s progress and prosperity are directly linked to it.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, he cited a Gallup survey indicating that 55 per cent of Pakistanis have confidence in the country’s business environment. “This is encouraging, but we must continue working hard,” he said, stressing the need to accelerate economic reforms ahead of the upcoming budget.
The prime minister highlighted the recent martyrdom of Lieutenant Hassan Ashraf in Lahore, who sacrificed his life while eliminating six terrorists. “The complete eradication of terrorism is our mission, and these sacrifices must never be forgotten,” he said, adding that peace and security are essential for Pakistan’s development.
Gallup Survey 2025 shows clear signs of economic progress in Pakistan
PM Shehbaz also spoke about his meeting with a delegation from the World Bank, which expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s economic reforms. “Their appreciation should motivate us to strive even harder,” he said.
Discussing Pakistan’s ties with Turkiye, the prime minister lauded President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s consistent support for Pakistan on issues like Kashmir and Palestine.
He called Erdogan’s recent visit to Pakistan “highly successful” and announced that an interchange named after the Turkish president was completed in just 84 days.
He reaffirmed his commitment to boosting trade with Turkiye to $5 billion and strengthening bilateral ties. “Pakistan is on the path to progress, and we must continue working together to achieve economic stability.”
Earlier in the day, the prime minister inaugurated the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange near F-8 and F-9 sectors, APP reported on Tuesday.
The newly-constructed interchange was named after the Turkish president during his recent visit to Pakistan.
“I will send the pictures and detail of inauguration ceremony of the Interchange to the Turkish President to make him realize that he is our close friend and brother,” the prime minister said.
He said the project was completed at a cost less than the allocated amount.
The actual cost of the project was Rs 4000 million but it was completed at a cost of Rs 3,655 million.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said under the prime minister’s direction, the project which was earlier scheduled to be completed in six months had been built in the shortest possible time of 84 days.