Islamabad, 3 March 2024 (TDI): On Sunday, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on being elected Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
President Xi Jinping expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s new government.
Additionally, President Xi reiterated his confidence in the combined efforts of all sectors of Pakistan, stating that Pakistan would be capable of achieving new and greater heights in the cause of national development and progress.
He emphasized that China and Pakistan should maintain their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in a variety of fields, and collaborate to build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Moreover, they should also broaden their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, foster a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and increase the two peoples’ well-being, President Xi mentioned.
Premier Li Qiang of China’s State Council also extended felicitations to newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Also Read: Ambassador Khalil Hashmi presents credentials to President Xi
Voting to elect Prime Minister
On March 3, the National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, met to vote on the Prime Minister. Legislators elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s 24th Prime Minister.
“Shehbaz Sharif has been declared as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced.
The minimum number needed for victory was fixed at 169 votes, and the National Assembly had 336 members. Shahbaz Sharif won 201 votes, whilst opposing candidate Omar Ayub received 92.
Today, in his first speech to the National Assembly, the Prime Minister-elect highlighted his government’s priorities. He revealed plans and changes to solve difficulties in several sectors.
Shehbaz Sharif was elected Prime Minister for the second time. He was Prime Minister until August 2023. The National Assembly was dissolved to make room for a caretaker government entrusted with conducting national elections.
