Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has blamed the previous government for the country’s current economic woes, claiming that the country’s economy was significantly stronger under the leadership of former PM Nawaz Sharif.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Dar asserted that Pakistan was built on the foundation of faith and that those who betrayed the country faced dire consequences.

He emphasized his commitment to serving Pakistan and reiterated that he never sought positions for personal gain. He highlighted his previous role as finance minister and his current multiple responsibilities, stating that he was “serving the country.”

Dar pointed out that during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, Pakistan had risen to become the 24th largest economy in the world. However, he claimed that in the subsequent four years under the previous government, Pakistan’s ranking plummeted to 47th. He stated that while some predicted it would take 15 years for Pakistan to recover from its economic crisis, Nawaz Sharif’s government managed to pull the country out of trouble in just three and a half years.

Dar highlighted the significant improvements made during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, including the elimination of widespread load shedding and terrorism that plagued the country in 2013. He credited the Sharif government with bringing stability and economic growth, raising Pakistan to the 24th position in the global economic ranking.

However, he criticized the previous government for causing a decline in Pakistan’s economic standing. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the economy would be revived. He praised the recent decision by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to provide a Rs. 46 billion relief package to the public by reducing electricity bills for two months.

Dar also shared his personal experience, recalling his first election victory in 1993 and the subsequent decision to initiate the Darbar Sharif project. He emphasized the importance of the project, which included constructing a new entry point to the shrine through the GT Road and relocating the Lahore Veterinary Hospital to a new location.

Dar concluded his remarks by attributing the success of these projects to divine intervention, stating that “these are the works of Allah. He uses whomever He wants. Allah has shown His mercy upon us, for we are sinners.”