PML-N government will set examples of austerity: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore:  Nominated Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the PML-N government at the centre and Punjab will set examples of austerity and simplicity for other provincial governments.

Addressing newly elected Assembly Members of PML-N here today, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that a poor country like Pakistan cannot afford lavish expenditures of the rulers. He said that PML-N leadership has shown through its conduct during the last five years how national resources can be safeguarded.

He said that PML-N government contrary to the former rulers did not spend even a single penny in the name of secret fund in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and his colleagues paid from their own pockets the expenditures on foreign visits and so much so they voluntarily reduced their salaries at the time of flood. He said that the future cabinet will not be large and only those persons will be inducted in the cabinet as are infused with the spirit of public service.

He said that minister-ship under the Muslim League-N government will be a test and not a source of enjoyment. He said that the ministers will be duty bound to present monthly report of the performance of their departments. Shahbaz Sharif said that he will also present himself before his colleagues and public representatives for accountability and evaluation of his efficiency. Referring to the role of Muslim League-N in the process of formation of governments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtonkhawa, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the decisions made in this regard have proved the fact that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is a sagacious leader who gives preference to larger national interests over political or party interest.

Shahbaz Sharif expressed the hope that other political leaders will also follow the example of Nawaz Sharif for steering the country out of existing political and economic crises. He further said that the governments of Muslim League-N and its allies at the centre, Punjab and Balochistan will promote a new culture of mutual understanding and harmony in Pakistan.