Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Hamza Shehbaz on Thursday praised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Hamza held a meeting with the traders’ community in Lahore. On the occasion, the former Punjab chief minister said, ‘’Nawaz Sharif has proved to be vital to addressing the masses’ problems.

He was of the view that Nawaz Sharif knows how to address the problems faced by all segments of the country. ''When Nawaz Sharif remains in power, he leads the country towards prosperity,’’ he added.

''We left the power in 2018 while developing the country. But had returned to power in 2022, when the country was on the verge of default,’’ Hamza rued.

– Nawaz Sharif will put country's economy on track –

Hamza said on Wednesday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s return will be tantamount to the day of the ‘’public referendum.’’

Addressing a workers’ convention in Lahore, Hamza said, ‘’Right now, the country needs a saviour to pull it out of the economic quagmire. The saviour named, Nawaz Sharif will put the country's economy on track.’’

‘’The entire country, including Punjab and Lahore, is busy giving the beloved leader, Nawaz Sharif, a historical welcome on his return on October 21.'' Hamza added.

He recounted that Lahore was and will be the stronghold of the PML-N.

Hamza hoped that the prices of the basic amenities of life and petroleum products would be slashed and unemployment would be ended. ‘’There is a dire need to take all-out steps to provide relief to the masses,’’ the former Punjab chief minister added.