The federal cabinet met in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss ongoing relief efforts in Parachinar and evaluate proposals to restructure government ministries to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting in which the cabinet was informed that all essential medicines were secured in Parachinar hospitals.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s helicopter has been designated to facilitate the transportation of patients from Parachinar to other cities for medical care while relief activities are carried out in the area, with collaborative efforts of the federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governments. (KP).
The session also focused on recommendations for right-sizing government ministries. The commission that oversees this policy presented its proposals for ministries such as Science and Technology, Commerce, Housing and Works, and National Food Security and Research.
Key recommendations included complete closure of certain departments, merger of some departments to streamline operations and reduction of staff by 30% in secretariats of relevant ministries. If implemented, these measures are expected to save approximately Rs 42.1 billion annually for the national exchequer.
Cabinet members reviewed the recommendations and provided comments. Chief Minister Shehbaz directed the committee to incorporate the cabinet’s suggestions and submit a revised report for further deliberation.
During the meeting, he expressed deep regret over the sectarian violence in Kurram district, which resulted in losses for both sides, while criticizing the KP government’s handling of the situation.
“Both groups are armed in Kurram, but I do not wish to go into details. The unfortunate thing is that at the time of this bloodshed, Islamabad was under attack. If the KP government had focused on it, the damage would have been greater. less,” he lamented.
He concluded by saying: “I do not question anyone’s intentions, but if the intention is different, it will not benefit the country. I hope that the PTI and the government will work together to find a solution that will benefit Pakistan. Let us move forward sincerely, but it is necessary to applaud with both hands to achieve success. I am hopeful that the PTI will also work for the national interest.”
