ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for a concerted national effort to transform Pakistan into an economic power, calling for the same level of dedication and resilience that enabled the country to achieve its status as a responsible nuclear power.
The prime minister highlighted in his televised opening remarks at the federal cabinet meeting that the government’s economic team had made a collective effort over the past two years that was paying off, ensuring stability and preventing the need for rationing.
“This is a long and difficult journey. But nations that commit to face and overcome their challenges are the ones that ultimately meet with success,” he noted.
Referring to the US-Iran conflict, he said that while a temporary ceasefire was currently in place, the war had created significant obstacles for regional economies, including Pakistan.
On the celebration of the one-year anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, he said that a year ago, Allah had blessed the nation with greatness because of the professional excellence and national unity of the armed forces.
“The forces, with the utmost gallantry, taught the enemy a lesson they would never forget,” the Prime Minister noted.
Looking forward to the upcoming Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation remembered that day as the moment Pakistan achieved impregnable defense in 1998.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear assets were purely for deterrence and defense, not crimes, which have earned it global recognition as a responsible nuclear state.
Prime Minister Shehbaz paid 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 praised the important roles played by scientists, politicians and national institutions to achieve this milestone.
Referring to the martyrdom of Liaquat, a resident of Attock, who was martyred after he confronted a suicide bomber, the Prime Minister said the government had posthumously conferred the Sitara-e-Shujaat to recognize his sacrifice.
The sacrifices Pakistan is making in the fight against terrorism are unparalleled, he noted.
Wheat trade
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday constituted a cabinet committee to look into the matter, taking notice of the problems faced in buying and selling of wheat across the country.
The Federal Cabinet meeting was held here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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 to the Cabinet.
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 an affordable housing project in Farash Town, Islamabad, for residents of Islamabad’s informal settlements (Kachi Abadis) to the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
On the recommendation of the Revenue Division, the Federal Cabinet approved the conduct of departmental promotion examinations for Pakistan Customs officials, including Customs Inspectors, Intelligence Officers, Preventive Officers, Assessment Officers and Assessment Officers, through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
The Federal Cabinet also approved the decisions taken during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Affairs held on April 29, 2026. However, the Cabinet directed that the opinion of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) should be sought regarding the Tobacco Marketing Control Amendments 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 to develop a new national policy in this regard.
The task force will formulate a national waste-to-energy policy aimed at promoting waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan through encouragement of the private sector, a clear strategy, institutional mechanisms and a comprehensive road map, a statement issued by PM House said.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari will act as convener of the task force.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Federal Secretaries for Climate Change and Inter-Provincial Coordination, as well as the Secretaries of Local Government, Climate Change and Energy Departments from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, will also be members of the task force Jammu and Kash Azmirad.
Relevant representatives from the private business community have also been included as members of the task force.
The task force will review Pakistan’s current waste-to-energy framework, examine international best practices and identify legal, regulatory, financial and operational barriers in this sector.
Its terms of reference (TORs) also include proposed measures related to legislation and regulatory reforms for waste-to-energy initiatives.
The task force will further recommend steps to facilitate investment, coordination and implementation of waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan.
