ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for concerted national efforts to transform Pakistan into an economic power, urging the same level of dedication and resilience that enabled the country to achieve its status as a responsible nuclear state.
In his televised opening remarks at the federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister highlighted that the government's economic team had made collective efforts over the past two years, which were now bearing fruit, ensuring stability and preventing the need for rationing. "This is a long and difficult journey. However, nations that commit to facing and overcoming their challenges are the ones that ultimately meet with success," he remarked.
Referring to the US-Iran conflict, he said that while a temporary ceasefire was currently in place, the war had created significant hurdles for regional economies, including Pakistan.
First Anniversary of Marka-e-Haq
About the celebrations of the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, he said that a year ago, Allah had blessed the nation with grandeur due to the professional excellence of the armed forces and national unity. "The forces, with utmost valor, taught the enemy a lesson they would never forget," the prime minister remarked.
Youm-e-Takbeer and Nuclear Deterrence
Looking ahead to the upcoming Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, the prime minister emphasized that the nation remembered that day as the moment Pakistan achieved an impregnable defense in 1998. He underscored that Pakistan's nuclear assets were strictly for deterrence and defense, not offense, which has earned the country global recognition as a responsible nuclear state.
PM Shehbaz paid rich tribute to the "heroes" of Pakistan's nuclear journey, specifically crediting Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating the program and Nawaz Sharif for its successful conclusion. He also lauded the vital roles played by scientists, politicians, and national institutions in reaching this milestone.
Recognition of Martyrdom
Referring to the martyrdom of Liaquat, a resident of Attock, who was martyred after confronting a suicide bomber, the prime minister said the government had posthumously conferred Sitara-e-Shujaat to recognize his sacrifice. The sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism are unmatched, he remarked.
Wheat Trade and Cabinet Decisions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, taking notice of the issues faced in the buying and selling of wheat across the country, constituted a cabinet committee to address the matter. During the meeting, the recommendations of the cabinet committee formed to review the Hajj Policy 2027-2030 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony were also presented. Approving the committee's recommendations, the federal cabinet directed that an accountability mechanism be developed for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and private Hajj operators to ensure the protection of pilgrims' rights.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the federal cabinet approved handing over the construction and development of a low-cost housing project in Farash Town, Islamabad, for residents of informal settlements (Kachi Abadis) to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). On the recommendation of the Revenue Division, the federal cabinet approved conducting departmental promotion examinations for Pakistan Customs officers through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
The federal cabinet also approved decisions taken during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases held on April 29, 2026. However, the cabinet directed that the opinion of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) be sought regarding amendments to the Tobacco Marketing Control Rules, 2016.
Waste to Energy Policy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the formation of a task force on waste-to-energy production. This task force will review the existing waste-to-energy framework and work on developing a new national policy. The task force will formulate a national waste-to-energy policy aimed at promoting projects through private sector encouragement, a clear strategy, institutional mechanisms, and a comprehensive roadmap, a statement from the PM House said.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari will serve as the convener. Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, federal secretaries for Climate Change and Inter-Provincial Coordination, as well as secretaries of Local Government, Climate Change, and Energy departments from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, will also be members. Relevant private sector representatives have also been included.
The task force will review Pakistan's current waste-to-energy framework, examine international best practices, and identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational barriers. Its Terms of Reference include proposing measures for legislation and regulatory reforms, and recommending steps to facilitate investment, coordination, and implementation of waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan.
