PM says ‘time of prosperity has begun,’ terms budget one of ‘relief’

This journey of development will continue in full force, and we will take every possible step for the welfare of citizens, says PM; public protests against rising prices

- Tariq Butt | Agence France-Presse

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday described the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as a “budget of relief,” saying the government had achieved economic stability and was therefore able to provide relief to the people.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the premier expressed gratitude for what he said was the attainment of economic stability, attributing it to divine blessings and the resilience of the people.

“I express my boundless gratitude to Almighty Allah, through whose grace and mercy, and with the prayers of the nation, we have achieved economic stability, and by virtue of which we have today provided relief to the people in the budget,” he said.

The prime minister thanked the people of Pakistan for enduring economic hardships and contributing to the country’s economic stability.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to every citizen of Pakistan who, in the most difficult circumstances, demonstrated patience and resilience, faced hardships, and played a full role in the economic stability of their country,” he said.

He said he had promised the public that once economic stability was achieved, its benefits would be passed on directly to ordinary citizens.