ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for concerted national efforts to transform Pakistan into an economic powerhouse, urging the same level of dedication and resilience that allowed the country to achieve its status as a responsible nuclear state.
The Prime Minister, in his televised opening remarks at the federal Cabinet meeting, highlighted that the Government’s economic team had made collective efforts over the past two years, which were bearing fruit, ensuring stability and avoiding the need for rationing.
“This is a long and difficult road. However, the nations that commit to facing and overcoming their challenges are the ones that ultimately find success,” he remarked.
Referring to the conflict between the United States and Iran, he said that while a temporary ceasefire was currently in place, the war had created significant obstacles for regional economies, including Pakistan.
On the first anniversary celebrations of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, he said that a year ago Allah had blessed the nation with greatness due to the professional excellence of the armed forces and national unity.
“The forces, with great courage, taught the enemy a lesson that they will never forget,” commented the prime minister.
Ahead of the upcoming Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation remembered that day as the moment when Pakistan achieved an impregnable defense in 1998.
He stressed 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.
Prime Minister Shehbaz paid rich tribute to the “heroes” of Pakistan’s nuclear journey, specifically giving credit to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating the program and Nawaz Sharif for its successful conclusion.
He also praised the vital role played by scientists, politicians and national institutions in achieving this milestone.
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 granted Sitara-e-Shujaat to recognize his sacrifice.
The sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism are incomparable, he remarked.
Wheat trade
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, taking note of the problems faced in buying and selling wheat across the country, constituted a cabinet committee to address the issue.
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 ordered 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 Home Affairs 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 Islamabad 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 officers, including customs inspectors, intelligence officers, prevention officers, valuation officers and valuation 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 Cases held on April 29, 2026. However, the cabinet directed that the opinion of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) be sought regarding the 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 working group will review the existing waste-to-energy framework and work on developing 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 private sector encouragement, clear strategy, institutional mechanisms and a comprehensive roadmap, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari will be the coordinator of the task force.
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 of the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will also be members of the task force.
Relevant representatives of the private sector have also been included as members of the working group.
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 (ToR) also include proposed measures related to legislation and regulatory reforms for waste-to-energy initiatives.
The task force will further recommend measures to facilitate investment, coordination and implementation of waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan.
