Prime Minister stresses education and skill development for youth

Prime Minister stresses education and skill development for youth

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for prioritizing education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships to equip young people for the future. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) summit, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of placing youth at the center of … Read more

PM directs authorities to expedite work on Jinnah Medical Complex

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Ministry of National Health Services to modernize the healthcare institutions under the federal government’s purview and make Islamabad a model for healthcare facilities for the entire country.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the matters about the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, said that the government was prioritizing to ensure access to healthcare facilities across the country.

He asked the health ministry to expedite the work on Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center and start the pre-qualification process for timely procuring the facility’s medical and surgical machinery and equipment.

He said that the pre-qualification process should be completed under the supervision of an expert consultant, besides conducting a third-party audit of the construction work and the procurement of machinery and equipment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed to initiation the process of approving the charter for the university associated with Jinnah Medical Complex.

During the briefing on the healthcare facilities in Islamabad, it was told that Jinnah Medical Complex had been established as a company under Section 42 of the Companies Act. The relevant steering committee has approved the master plan for Jinnah Medical Complex.

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PM calls for stronger legal framework to curb human smuggling

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to further strengthen the legal framework to curb human smuggling.

The prime minister, chairing the maiden meeting of the task force formed to curb human smuggling asked the interior ministry to extend cooperation to the law ministry for the purpose.

Calling for a swift enforcement of the Federal Prosecution Act 2023, he asked the Federal Investigation Agency to submit the data on human smugglers collected during the investigation to the Foreign Office to ensure their early extradition.

The prime minister ordered the issuance of red warrants of proclaimed offenders in human smuggling cases, emphasising collective effort to do away with the menace.

He also instructed for an accelerated induction of the required workforce for the arrest and prosecution of human smugglers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz told the meeting that 27 human smugglers involved in the Morocco boat capsizing incident had been identified and five of them had already been arrested.

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MNAs and senators call for salary hike to Rs500,000

Remittances and exports increase in first seven months of fiscal year

A proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommending that the salaries and benefits of lawmakers be aligned with those of a federal secretary. Sources indicate that the National Assembly’s finance committee approved the proposal, which was subsequently forwarded to the prime minister by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The proposal suggests setting the monthly … Read more

PM lauds Pakistani players for winning global championships  

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that the young Pakistani players were bringing laurels to the country and the nation with their talents and reiterated that the government was taking every possible step to provide facilities to the Pakistani athletes.

The prime minister met Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif and congratulated him on winning the SAARC Snooker Championship recently held in Sri Lanka.

He also presented a prize cheque worth Rs. 2.5 million to Muhammad Asif.

“You have brightened the name of Pakistan in the game of snooker and the entire nation is proud of you,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

He further said that by winning the World Amateur Snooker Championship and the SAARC Snooker Championship thrice, he (Asif) had proven his skills in the world and brought honour to Pakistan.

During the meeting, Muhammad Asif expressed gratitude to the prime minister for recognizing him at the national level.

He opined that the government’s patronage in sports played a key role in promoting games, adding that it was an honour for him that the prime minister acknowledged his achievements.

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PM reaffirms resolve for education system to balance AI with human creativity

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to advance an education system that embraced the promise of artificial intelligence while safeguarding the essence of human creativity, compassion, and purpose.

The prime minister, in his message to the nation on Education Day annually observed on January 24, acknowledged the educators, advocates, and partners working tirelessly to illuminate lives with the light of knowledge.

“On this International Day of Education, we reflect on the profound role education plays in empowering individuals and communities to navigate the rapid advancements of technology…Together, let us continue to champion this noble cause and ensure that education remains a beacon of hope for generations to come,” he remarked.

He said that this year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” was a reminder of the need to ensure that progress in artificial intelligence complements our shared humanity.

The prime minister said that as AI-driven systems are increasingly integrated into our lives, the boundaries between human intervention and machine-driven actions continue to blur.

This presents both opportunities and challenges, raising the critical question of how we can uphold and enhance human agency amidst the growing tide of automation, he added.

“In Pakistan, we recognize the transformative power of education in preparing our youth to thrive in the evolving technological landscape.

By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, we aim to equip our citizens with the tools not only to adapt to technological changes but to shape them in ways that uphold our values, protect our freedoms, and advance our society,” the prime minister remarked.

He highlighted that the government had taken significant steps to prepare the country’s educational institutions to embrace technological advancements.

These initiatives include the establishment of High-Impact IT Labs in ICT degree colleges, Digital Hubs in rural ICT schools, the Google Center of Excellence, SMART Classrooms, and the E-Taleem Portal for blended learning.

Additionally, he said the government had also introduced E-Rozgar Centers, Software Technology Parks, Robotics and Mind Games programs, and STEAM Labs to foster innovation.

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PM Shehbaz emphasizes stakeholder collaboration for ‘Uraan Pakistan’

PM Shehbaz emphasizes stakeholder collaboration for 'Uraan Pakistan'

On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was put on the path of growth due to the support of brotherly countries. He stated these remarks in a meeting with a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters Association which called on him in Islamabad on Thursday. Pakistan Broadcasters Association Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood, Mir Ibrahim Rehman, … Read more

Pakistan’s economic growth journey resumed: PM  

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that after attaining stability in the country’s economy, the government had resumed the journey of economic development and growth from where it was halted in 2018.

He said Pakistan witnessed a golden era of economic development under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and today, under his leadership too, the development journey was continued.

He expressed the gratitude to the friendly and brotherly countries as Pakistan avoided the default like situation and moved towards the path of development due to their cooperation.

“The credit of significant decline in inflation and interest rate goes to the hard work by the government economic team,” he said while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters’ Association which called on him here.

The prime minister said the relationship between government and the media was based on mutual trust.

He emphasized that the government always welcomed constructive criticism by media as it was very important to improve governance.

“The government believes in media being the fourth pillar of the state,” the prime minister said adding that there was complete freedom of expression in the country.

He expressed the confidence that “Uraan Pakistan”, a home made development project, will be made successful with cooperation of media and all other relevant stakeholders.

Similarly, he underscored that the country’s exports had been increased and industrial and agricultural sectors were also showing positive results due to the business friendly policies of the government.

As regards performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the prime minister said the reforms actions were being implemented in the Board besides work on digitization of FBR was also continued rapidly.

He told that the faceless assessment had also been launched to improve the customs’ system. “This system will help increase tax revenues, enhance transparency and stop corruption from the sector.

He said after the launch of this system, the national exchequer was benefited due to the prevention of smuggling of petroleum products, sugar, fertilizers, and wheat.

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PM instructs merit-based selection of students for agri training in China

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection of the students to be sent to China for modern training in the agriculture sector.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting on the subject, also directed the formation of a committee to address the grievances of the students not meeting the standard during the scrutiny.

Calling China a time-tested friend of Pakistan and lauding its development in the agriculture sector, he told the participants that during his China visit, he had requested the Chinese leadership for the modern training of Pakistani students in the agriculture sector.

He said that the Government of Pakistan would bear the expenses of the students’ training and the first batch would soon leave for China. A 10% quota has been allocated for Balochistan among the students to be selected for the training, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked the Chinese leadership and the universities for allowing the Pakistani students.

In the meeting, the prime minister was told that 1287 male and female students had applied through a portal of which 711 – including those from Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan – met the criteria.

The students would be sent to China in two batches. Scheduled to leave for China in March this year, the first batch of 300 students will receive training in improving irrigation, diagnosing and monitoring veterinary diseases, veterinary breeding and genetics, and modern seed preparation and processing.

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PM condoles loss of lives due to landslides, floods in Indonesia

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow as tragic landslides and flash floods had struck Indonesia’s Java island, resulting in the loss of precious lives and leaving some individuals missing.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, I extend my deepest condolences to President Prabowo Subianto, the families of the victims and to the people of Indonesia during this difficult time,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.

He said that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the Indonesian government and its people as they respond to this calamity with resilience and courage.

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PM Shehbaz Sharif warns against negligence in Hajj 2025 planning

PM calls emergency NSC meeting after India suspends Indus Waters Treaty

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasized the importance of meticulous preparations to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for pilgrims during Hajj 2025, warning that negligence in the process would not be tolerated. During a high-level meeting to review the upcoming Hajj season arrangements, the prime minister directed officials to provide a detailed briefing … Read more

No negligence to be tolerated in preparations of Hajj 2025: PM

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed preparations for Hajj 2025, directing that no negligence in preparations will be tolerated.

“Pilgrims are the guests of Allah Almighty, therefore no negligence will be accepted in terms of services and assistance for them,” the prime minister stressed.

Chaired a meeting to review preparations for Hajj 2025 here, the prime minister directed to ensure all possible facilities and assistance to the Hujjaj (pilgrims) during the upcoming Hajj.

He instructed to prepare a comprehensive briefing with respect to the preparation of Hajj 2025 and present it in coming days.

He also directed to present a detailed briefing on the selection criteria of Moavineen Hajj (Hajj assistants), their responsibilities and other arrangements.

He said the best possible training facility should be provided to the pilgrims, besides ensuring selection of capable officers having good repute for Hajj duty.

He also ordered to take special care of residence, travel and other facilities for the pilgrims. “Merit and transparency must be ensured in deployment of the Moavineen.”

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema. Chaudhry Salik Hussain and other relevant top officials.

The meeting was briefed in detail about progress on Hajj Fund which was in final stages.

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PM terms operationalization of Gwadar Airport millstone for connectivity

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling it an example of Pakistan-China friendship, said that the operationalization of Gwadar International Airport was a great step forward to strengthen connectivity within Pakistan as well as the entire region.

The prime minister, in a statement, expressed satisfaction as a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed at the Gwadar Airport, making it the first commercial aircraft to arrive at the facility.

He said that with the inauguration of Gwadar Airport, another milestone has been achieved to link Gwadar with Central Asia and East Asia besides providing linkage between the Middle East and Gulf states.

The prime minister said that the opening of Gwadar International Airport would realise the dream of development of Pakistan and the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Today, we have come closer to fulfilling the joint commitment of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nawaz Sharif for the development of Pakistan and the region through the CPEC. By the grace of Allah, CPEC started during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif and is now achieving important milestones under his leadership,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the entire nation was grateful to the Chinese leadership and the government as the country always played a key role in the development of Pakistan.

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PM Shehbaz Sharif approves appointment of envoys’ to various countries

PM calls emergency NSC meeting after India suspends Indus Waters Treaty

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the appointments of new Pakistani ambassadors to various countries. Sources from the PM Secretariat revealed that Asma Rabbani will serve as Pakistan’s envoy to the Philippines, while Rahim Hayat Qureshi will represent Pakistan in Brussels and the European Union. Abdul Hameed Bhatta and Najeeb Durrani have been assigned … Read more

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomes digital FDI initiative

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomes digital FDI initiative

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted that adopting digital infrastructure, embracing digitization, and promoting digital activities alongside exports of digital services can help create a framework to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Calling it a major milestone in fostering an investor-friendly environment, the Prime Minister welcomed Pakistan’s inclusion in the joint Digital Foreign Direct Investment … Read more

PM Shehbaz directs authorities to increase loan amount

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif directed to increase the loan amount under the Prime Minister Youth Program.

A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the issues of small and medium business in which the relevant authorities briefed Shehbaz Sharif.

The Prime Minister directed the authorities to complete a detailed survey soon to provide facilities to small and medium businesses and to increase the loan amount from 0.5 million to 1.5 million under the Prime Minister Youth Program.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that in order to harmonize the facilities with international requirements, it should be ensured that the models of developed countries are applied, a special package should be created for women entrepreneurs in small scale business and it should be presented soon.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are of key importance in the development of the economy worldwide, the government is trying to empower youth and women entrepreneurs, youth and women not only earn self-employment but also create more employment opportunities.

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PM Shehbaz welcomes WB’s $20b pledge under its CPF

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the World Bank’s pledge of $20 billion under its first-ever 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan.

The prime minister, in a social media post on his X timeline, said that while focusing on six key areas, including child nutrition, quality education, clean energy, climate resilience, inclusive development, and private investment, CPF reflected Pakistan’s national priorities, as envisioned in its Home Grown Economic Transformation Plan.

The prime minister deeply appreciated the efforts of the Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir and other colleagues who had worked day and night to strengthen Pakistan’s foundation for such transformative partnerships.

“CPF reflects the World Bank’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic resilience and potential. We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we align our efforts for creating lasting opportunities for our people,” he remarked.

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President, PM laud security forces for killing 8 terrorists in KP

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating eight Khawarij (terrorists) in two different operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Appreciating the forces for anti-terror operations in Tank and Tirah Valley, the president and prime minister reiterated the nation’s resolve to root out terrorism from the country.

“The people of Pakistan stand in support of their security forces to eliminate terrorism and are fully resolved to root out this scourge,” the president remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the government and the security forces were pursuing the objective of eliminating terrorism.

“The entire nation feels proud of its brave security forces. We will continue to thwart the nefarious designs of the terrorists,” the prime minister added.

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