Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing top Pakistani students under the Uraan Pakistan internship programme, said the government is committed to achieving a complete economic turnaround through long-overdue reforms, structural changes, and a merit-based system.

He recalled that when the current government took office in 2023, Pakistan was on the verge of default. However, through determined efforts and successful engagement with the IMF, the country avoided economic collapse. Inflation has since dropped, and policy rates have decreased from 22.5% to under 11%.

The PM highlighted major reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), including digitization, AI integration, and the removal of corrupt elements without political pressure. These changes helped increase revenue collection from Rs12 billion to over Rs50 billion in one year.

Stressing the importance of youth, he said investment in education and skills is vital for Pakistan’s future. He urged students to contribute to national development and praised the role of young talent in shaping the country’s destiny.

On national security, the PM condemned Indian aggression in May, affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defense and praising the armed forces. He reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear program is peaceful and solely for defense purposes.

He concluded by expressing hope that Uraan Pakistan participants will help lead Pakistan toward progress and prosperity.