ISLAMABAD: Traders in the federal capital have welcomed new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and hoped that he would stabilise the national treasury by controlling privileges and luxuries of the new cabinet.

Trader leader Sarfraz Mughal said unfortunately, Pakistan had been suffering from a severe financial crunch and that inflation had broken the backbone of the people.

“The prices of electricity, gas, petroleum products and medicines have taken away the livelihoods of the poor. It is time to resolve these issues on an emergency basis,” he said.

Mr Mughal demanded that the new prime minister stabilise the national treasury by controlling the privileges and luxuries of the new cabinet in view of the country’s economic situation and the problems arising from the heavy debt burden of the IMF.

“Unfortunately, rulers hold the former rulers responsible for the IMF debts and inflation, and people continue to suffer. Masses are extremely worried that their problems should be resolved,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2024