'If we do not defeat India…': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's bold claim sparks online frenzy

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again made headlines with his ambitious declaration about overtaking India in development. Addressing a public event in Dera Ghazi Khan, he vowed that if Pakistan does not surpass India, people can change his name. However, his statement has sparked widespread trolling on social media, with netizens mocking his grand promise.

Shehbaz Sharif's grand challenge

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ignited a social media storm with his latest remarks on India. Addressing a rally in Dera Ghazi Khan on February 22, Sharif made a dramatic pledge, declaring, "If we do not leave India behind, then my name is not Shehbaz Sharif." While his statement was not about military rivalry but economic progress, it still triggered a wave of reactions across the internet. The Pakistani PM launched multiple developmental projects during the event, promising to transform Pakistan into a prosperous nation that will surpass India.

Sharif, who has often spoken about Pakistan’s economic struggles, claimed that inflation in the country has significantly dropped. According to him, when his government took office, inflation was at 40%, but it has now reduced to just 2%. His bold statements, however, have left many questioning the accuracy of his claims.

Social media roasts Shehbaz Sharif

As soon as his speech went viral, netizens from both India and Pakistan flooded social media platforms with reactions. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) found his statement amusing and sarcastically suggested new names for him. Some pointed out Pakistan’s economic struggles, questioning how the nation plans to surpass India while facing high debt and inflation.

If I don't defeat #India, my name is not Shehbaz Sharif," says PM Shehbaz, pledging to outpace regional rivals like India in development. Speaking in Dera Ghazi Khan, he emphasized the need for unprecedented federal-provincial collaboration to steer Pakistan towards progress.… pic.twitter.com/nQudEuLH2K

— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) February 22, 2025

🛑🛑 If I don't defeat India, my name is not Shehbaz Sharif.

We will defeat regional competitors like India in economic development.”

— Pakistan's Prime Minister

👉 Ek din isko heart attack aa jayega jitna panic hokar bolta hai. 😂😂😂👇 pic.twitter.com/IN0Cy2EQbm

— Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) February 23, 2025

Earlier this month, Shehbaz Sharif also expressed a desire for peaceful dialogue with India, stating that Pakistan is open to resolving disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through negotiations. His latest fiery rhetoric, however, seems to contradict his calls for diplomacy.

While Sharif’s words may have been aimed at boosting national morale, they have instead fueled an online debate, with many wondering whether Pakistan can truly achieve the economic leap he envisions. As the internet continues to troll him, one question remains will Shehbaz Sharif’s promise turn into reality, or will he need to reconsider his name after all?