ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday blamed the “environment of political chaos” for the prevailing economic crisis in the country while issuing a brief statement to mark Pakistan Day.

The country commemorates 23rd March as a special occasion since the Muslims of Subcontinent demanded a separate homeland by adopting a resolution on the same day in Lahore during a public gathering in 1940.

The resolution led to the foundation of Pakistan under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah seven years later.

The prime minister said in his message that Pakistan had come into being as a result of political and constitutional struggle while also mentioning its prevailing problems.

“The challenges are topped by a combination of economic instability and the inability to settle the rules of the game,” he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency. “An environment of political chaos explains why we have failed to develop our economy on a sustainable basis.”

The prime minister’s statement comes amid rising political tensions in the country since the ouster of ex-premier Imran Khan in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April last year. The government has frequently blamed Khan and his supporters for rising political volatility in the country, especially in recent days after they clashed with police in Lahore and Islamabad.

Pakistan is also witnessing a major economic crisis since its forex reserves have hit an alarmingly low level amid rapid depreciation of the national currency. Sharif and his administration maintain Khan’s rhetoric and political agitation, along with the economic policies pursued by his government, are also responsible for the country’s economic woes.

The prime minister expressed optimism in his message that Pakistan was destined to achieve great heights, though he pointed out it needed to forge unity within and equip itself with a national purpose before fighting for its rightful place in the world.

He asked the people to recall the sacrifices made by the founding fathers while celebrating the special day.

“The last seventy-five years of our journey have seen us fight many crises from wars to natural disasters,” he continued. “There have been many occasions when we overcame the odds and achieved many milestones.”

“Let us use this day to introspect and hold ourselves to account,” he added. “Only those nations that are capable of analyzing their past, learning from their mistakes, and making amends can achieve true glory.”