ISLAMABAD: In his inaugural speech prime minister-in-waiting Mian Nawaz Sharif would dwell upon four major areas.

He would swear to weed out mega corruption, overcome energy crisis, convalesce the ailing economy and improve the security situation from North to South.

Over the last two days, Sharif and his advisors were working on the speech which they wanted to be historic coinciding his momentous return to the office of prime minster for a record third time.

In his speech he would give an outline of the PML-N government’s plan to reduce load shedding. Instead of talking big like his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif, he would make calculated announcements given the sensitivity of the matter for the general masses.

The PML-N has prepared a strategy to overcome the power crisis in phases. The issue of circular debt, timely payment to oil companies, running power generation units to their maximum capacity are some of the short-term measures the upcoming government is looking for. The long-term steps include construction of hydel-power projects, trans-nations gas pipelines and civil-nuclear deal with the friendly countries.

Sharif is wary of mega-corruption scandal involving key officials of the former People’s Party government. In the speech he would not name any individuals but vow to catch the big fish. Across-the-board accountability is something he would specifically emphasise. In the same breath, he would promise zero victimisation on political grounds.

Terrorism and extremism is another area, Sharif would discuss at length in which he will pay tribute to the soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives.

He would defend the proposal of holding dialogue with the Taliban. Sources said he might praise Malala Yousufzai and condemn those who had tried to kill the young activist from Swat. By doing so he would surely please the international community.

Sharif would take credit of resolving impasse on government formation in Balochistan. He considers that nomination of Dr Abdul Malik is a great achievement that will pay him dividend in the months to come.

Pointing out to the ailing Pakistani economy, he would pledge emergency measures under the able leadership of his chief economic advisor, Senator Ishaq Dar.

Sharif is likely to recall the days of incarceration after the military coup of October 1999 and highlight that those who had overthrown his government were facing justice.

He is going to promise that the PML-N government shall ensure supremacy of the constitution and dignity of the judiciary.

Sharif, a source said, decided to appoint professionals to head the government and semi-government corporations.

“Neither politicians nor bureaucrats are going to head the corporations in order to improve their performance and eliminate mega corruption,” he added.

Opinion

Editorial

Pahalgam aftermath
24 Apr, 2026

Pahalgam aftermath

A YEAR after at least 26 people were killed in a terrorist attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, ties ...
Real estate power
24 Apr, 2026

Real estate power

THE latest round of land valuation revisions by the FBR for tax purposes signifies a familiar pattern that ...
Ad astra
Updated 24 Apr, 2026

Ad astra

AMONG the many developments this month that Pakistanis can take pride in is the news that one of their own will soon...
Ceasefire extension
Updated 23 Apr, 2026

Ceasefire extension

THOUGH the US has extended the Iran ceasefire — thanks largely to effective Pakistani diplomacy to prevent sliding...
Climate & livelihoods
23 Apr, 2026

Climate & livelihoods

THE latest ILO report estimates that around 3.3m jobs may have been affected by the 2025 floods — significantly...
Virtual courts
23 Apr, 2026

Virtual courts

THOUGH routine activities in Islamabad have been greatly hindered amidst security preparations for another round of...