Nawaz lauds Shehbaz, Maryam for distinguished services to people
1. Accelerated progress towards development is a sign of positive change, says former PM
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday for their tireless efforts in serving the people of the country.
He made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Punjab Assembly, which was also attended by the Punjab CM, where they discussed the country’s overall situation, development, and ongoing public service projects.
Pakistan’s economy has shown signs of recovery, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropping to 2.4% year-on-year in January 2025, down from 4.1% in December 2024 and 28.3% in January 2024, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This marks the lowest inflation rate in over two years, reflecting easing price pressures in both urban and rural areas. In FY23, inflation reached over 29%, peaking at a record 37.97% in May 2023, but has been steadily decreasing since then.
Commenting on the improving macroeconomic indicators, Nawaz Sharif praised his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for his efforts, stating, "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working hard in the Centre," and adding that the decline in inflation is a clear sign of economic progress.
The economy continued to show positive growth in the first half of FY2024-25, with GDP expanding by 2.5% after last year's contraction, building on the stabilisation achieved in FY2024, according to a Finance Division report released in January.
The "State of Pakistan's Economy Half Yearly Report (July-December 2025)" attributed the sustained positive momentum to effective macroeconomic management, inflation control measures, and improvements in fiscal and external account stability.
"Inflation significantly decreased to 7.2% in H1-FY2025 from 28.8% a year ago, supported by easing global prices, a stable exchange rate, and targeted government policies," the finance ministry said in its report.
Nawaz Sharif also pointed out the stock exchange's rise as a reflection of growing confidence from the business and investor community. "The increase in the speed of the journey towards development is a sign of a positive change," he added, expressing satisfaction with the halt in Pakistan’s previous downward economic trajectory.
Regarding the development projects in Punjab under Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz praised her dedication. "Maryam Nawaz is working with the spirit of a mother and daughter in Punjab, more than just as the chief minister of the province," he said.
Maryam, who was present at the meeting, shared her sense of responsibility, stating, "I feel more responsible being the daughter of Nawaz Sharif." She added that she has taken on additional duties due to the prime minister’s "exemplary public services."
Addressing the provincial assembly members, Maryam emphasized that their trust and guidance are key to their success. "We are carrying forward the traditions of the past in terms of the quality and pace of public service," she concluded.
