Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PM credits diplomacy, foreign policy for boosting Pakistan’s global standing

PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s successful diplomacy and foreign policy have elevated the country’s prestige. He was chairing a meeting via video link where consultations were held on key matters, including Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. On the occasion, members of the federal cabinet termed the Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement a major achievement of the … Read more

PM Shehbaz pledges full support for KP flood victims

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged the federal government’s complete support for flood-hit communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, announcing the donation of one month’s salary from the federal cabinet to aid relief efforts. Chairing a meeting to review ongoing relief efforts by federal government in flood affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu … Read more

IHC issues contempt notice to federal cabinet in Aafia Siddiqui case

IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a contempt of court notice to members of the federal cabinet for failing to submit a report in the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq heard the petition regarding Aafia Siddiqui’s release, health, and repatriation. During the hearing, Justice Ejaz remarked that the judges’ roster … Read more

Federal Cabinet approves finance bill for new fiscal year

Federal Cabinet

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the Finance Bill for the upcoming fiscal year during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet granted approval to the bill with certain amendments. Additionally, the cabinet gave in-principle approval to proposed changes in various laws, which have now been referred to the Cabinet Committee … Read more

PM to chair special meeting of federal cabinet today

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to chair a special meeting of the federal cabinet today wherein he will highlight the key achievements of the federal government as it completes its first year.

The government has invited representatives from diverse segments of society to attend the special session, including business leaders, representatives of chambers of commerce and industries, women, students, and citizens from various walks of life to witness the proceedings of the cabinet meeting.

In the meeting, the prime minister will shed light on the government’s performance during its first year in office, besides outlining the plans for the future.

The federal ministers for finance, energy, information technology and others will present reports on the milestones achieved by their respective ministries.

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PM pledges continued efforts to further improve macroeconomic indicators

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing satisfaction over substantial reduction in inflation, a rise in foreign exchange reserves, and an increase in foreign remittances, pledged to continue efforts to further improve the macro economic indicator in the years to come.

In a breakfast session with the newly inducted members of the Federal Cabinet, the prime minister highlighted that the selection of all new cabinet members was based on their abilities and potential.

“We are all accountable to Allah Almighty and the people of Pakistan,” he said adding that he himself will undertake regular monitoring of the performance of all federal ministers and other members of the federal cabinet.

He also appreciated the services of all the cabinet members as the public representatives.

The cabinet members reaffirmed their commitment to play active role in the country’s development and the public welfare.

They also lauded the prime minister’s efforts for recent economic development in the country.

Matters of the country’s political and economic situation also came under discussion during the meeting.

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Federal cabinet swells to 46 as new ministers take oath

Federal cabinet swells to 46 as new ministers take oath

A swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed federal ministers took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath. The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other federal ministers. With the induction of 13 federal ministers, 11 ministers of state, and 3 advisers, the total strength of the federal cabinet has … Read more

PM Shehbaz offers to form parliamentary committed to PTI

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif once again invited the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf(PTI) to hold talks and offered to form a parliamentary committee.

Addressing the Federal Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister said that openly sit with PTI for negotiation and provided them with a conducive environment for talks but PTI was fleeing the talks.

The Prime Minister said that PML-N has held talks with PTI good intention and government committee offered PTI to give written demands.

Shahbaz Sharif offered to make PTI a parliamentary committee instead of a judicial commission and said that PTI should sit again for talks. He said government is ready to form a house committee and added that government is sincerely ready for talks.

It should be noted that PTI has demanded a judicial commission to investigate May 9 and November 26 events.

PTI quit the talks after three meetings, stated that the government was not interested in addressing its demands.

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PM Shehbaz likely to induct new face in cabinet

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to expand his cabinet by inducting four to five new ministers.

According to government sources, the expansion of the federal cabinet is likely to take place next week when five to six new members will be added to the federal cabinet.

Government sources said that Hanif Abbasi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Talal Chaudhry and Imran Ahmad Shah are likely to be included in the cabinet.

The government sources further said that the former Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister Tauqeer Shah is also likely to be included in the cabinet, Tauqeer Shah will be appointed as an advisor to the Prime Minister.

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Pakistan to privatise 24 major institutions from 2024 to 2029

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:  The Pakistan government’s five-year (2024-29) privatisation plan has been revealed, under which 24 institutions will be privatised in three phases.

A 5-year plan for the privatisation of public institutions has revealed from the federal government, which is for 2024 to 2029.

After the approval of the Federal Cabinet, a list of institutions has been prepared by the Ministry of Privatization according to which 24 institutions will be privatised in three phases, 10 institutions will be privatized in one year in the first phase while 13 institutions will be privatized in 1 to 3 years in the second phase. In the third and last phase, a plan has been made to privatize an institution in 3 to 5 years.

The privatisation plan states that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Roosevelt Hotel New York will be privatized in the first phase, Agricultural Development Bank and First Women Bank will be privatized in the first phase, while the privatization process of House Building Finance Corporation will also be completed in the first phase.

Similarly, Pakistan Engineering Company and Sindh Engineering Company Limited will be privatized in the first phase, while the electricity companies of Islamabad, Faisalabad and Gujranwala will also be privatized in the first phase.

The document states that electricity distribution companies, Northern Power Generation, Lakhra Power Generation Company, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) while Peshawar and Hazara Electric Supply Companies will be privatised.

The privatization of Jamshoro Power Company and Central Power Generation Company will also take place in the second phase.

According to the document, in the second phase, Utility Stores Corporation, State Life Insurance and Pakistan Reinsurance Company will also be privatised.

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Shehbaz Sharif appoints 20 MNAs as parliamentary secretaries

Prime Minister approves tariff review for eight IPPs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed 20 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) as parliamentary secretaries. Sajid Mehdi has been appointed as the parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Division, while Ahmed Atiq Anwar has been appointed the parliamentary secretary for Climate Change. The other appointees are Raja Osman Sarwar (Defense Production), Mian Khan Bugti … Read more

Federal cabinet launches ‘Hurmat e Parcham’ campaign

Federal cabinet

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet launched “Huramat-e-Parcham campaign” in reaction to the attack by the angry protesters on the Pakistani embassy in Germany and the removal of the national flag.

The federal ministers released their pictures along with the Pakistani flag on social media.

The federal ministers also wrote messages of love and affection for the national flag on the social media platforms.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer, Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar and other ministers also released pictures on social media with the national flag.

Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar also posted a picture with the national flag on social media with the couplet   “Chand Roshan Chamakta Sitara Rahey, Sab Se Oncha Yeh Jhanda Hamara Rahey” and said it was a clear message to the enemies of Pakistan.

Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik and Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan also released pictures with the national flag and the message ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.

Attaullah Tarar appealed to political activists, journalists, intellectuals, teachers, lawyers, doctors, farmers, labourers, students, businessmen, patriotic Pakistanis abroad and Pakistani youth to be a part of the “Harmat Percham Campaign”.

He said that flag of Pakistan was a symbol of national identity and sovereignty which represented the unity and solidarity of the nation.

He said that the coming month August was the month of Pakistan’s independence, and the ” Hurmat- e- Percham campaign would be continued.

Terming the sanctity of national flag a national responsibility, he said it was the duty of every Pakistani to follow it.

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Federal cabinet delays decision to ban PTI, invoke Article 6 against PTI leaders

Federal cabinet delays decision to ban PTI, invoke Article 6 against PTI leaders

ISLAMABAD: The Federal cabinet delays decision to ban PTI, invoke Article 6 against PTI leaders founder Imran Khan, former president Dr. Arif Alvi, and ex-deputy NA speaker Qasim Suri. Sources indicate that the government will first consult with the Pakistan People’s Party and other coalition parties. The issue of banning PTI will be discussed in … Read more

Federal Cabinet approves ‘Operation Azm e Istehkam’

Federal Cabinet

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the decisions taken by the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’.

A federal cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in which the cabinet approved the decisions of the central apex committee of the National Action Plan.

The cabinet also approved the ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’ which was announced by the apex committee.

The prime minister said in the cabinet meeting that there are confusion or speculations about the operation, but let me make it clear that this operation is not like other operations. It will be an intelligence-based operation in which no one will be transferred anywhere.

The Prime Minister further said that this is a continuation of the National Action Plan and it has to be carried forward. It is determined that the people will not face any kind of problem in the operation ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’, nor will any such action be taken in people’s homes. Intelligence-based action will be taken only against the evil elements.

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High-powered Chinese delegation to visit Pakistan soon: PM

Chinese

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his recent five-day visit to China remained successful as a high-powered Chinese delegation would visit Pakistan soon.

The prime minister, chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet, told the members that the collective efforts by his team including the federal ministers and federal secretaries came to fruition and that the visit was a great opportunity to strengthen the Pakistan-China bilateral relations.

He said that despite the security issue highlighted during the engagements with the Chinese leadership and business community, the visit concluded with a “positive note.”

“I can say unequivocally that the visit ended with a positive note. During the conversation with the Chinese ambassador at the banquet hosted by the Communist Party Secretary during my visit to Shanxi province, I got a deep feeling that the visit reminded very successful,” Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked while apprising the cabinet members of his visit.

The prime minister thanked all of his cabinet members particularly Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Dr Musaddik Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and relevant federal secretaries for their collective efforts which led to the success of the visit.

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Cabinet dissatisfied with probe commission’s report on Faizabad sit-in

Cabinet

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair expressed its dissatisfaction over a report of an Inquiry Commission into Faizabad sit-in (dharna) by observing that the commission had not adhered to its Terms of Reference (ToR).

The meeting directed to constitute a special committee of the cabinet that would submit its recommendations in this regard.

The Attorney General for Pakistan submitted an inquiry report over the matter and gave a detailed briefing to the cabinet. The cabinet also adopted a resolution expressing condolences on the shahadat of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and their companions in a helicopter crash.

The meeting also granted its approval to the recommendation of Ministry of Interior for duty and tax exemption on the equipment donated to Balochistan police by Guangdong Public Security Department, China.

However, under Federal Excise Tax 2005, the federal excise duty would be imposed on these items. The cabinet directed that in future, such like donations and grants would be exempted from taxes.

It also approved signing of memorandum of understanding between Pakistan and the United Kingdom with regard to handing over of three accused of Pakistani nationality on the recommendation of the ministry of interior.

During the meeting, the National Livestock Breeding Policy, 2022 was presented by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the cabinet directed it to resubmit it after holding consultations with the private sector.

The prime minister also directed for formulation of a mechanism under a private-public partnership project for establishing a quality slaughterhouse for Islamabad and its surrounding areas.

The cabinet on the recommendation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) granted its approval to ex-post facto on the relief goods dispatched to the Palestinians by the NDMA.

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Federal Cabinet approves appointment of FC in AJK

AJK

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet approved the appointment of Frontier Corps(FC) to maintain law and order and protect the Chinese residents and hydro powerhouses in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The Federal Cabinet has approved the deployment of Frontier Corps (FC) in Azad Kashmir to ensure foolproof security of Chinese residents and power houses.

Sources say that the federal cabinet approved the appointment of FC on the circulation summary.

The Azad Kashmir government had requested the deployment of FC to assist the police. The FC personnel will be deployed for foolproof security of Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant, Mangla Dam and Gulpur Hydropower Plant.

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Azam Khan, seven other names removed from ECL  

Azam Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has approved the removal of eight people from  Exit Control Lists(ECL) involved in the £190 million corruption.

Sources said the Federal Cabinet approved the removal of the names from the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendation of the National Accountability Bureau(NAB). After federal cabinet approval, the names of eight persons related to the 190 million pound case were removed from the ECL.

The names of the persons removed from ECL include former Secretary to Prime Minister Azam Khan, Raja Manzoor Kiyani, and Arif Rahim.

Similarly, the names of Naveed Akbar, Sikandar Hayat, Nisar Muhammad, Ghulam Haider, and Arif Nazir Butt have also been removed from the ECL.

The names of these persons were included in the ECL for being linked to the £190 million case.

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Saudi FM visit to help bring investment in Pakistan: PM

Saudi FM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet said that billions of dollars’ worth of investment was expected as a result of the recent visit by the Saudi delegation.

Commending the efforts of the federal cabinet and relevant authorities for the successful visit, he said the Saudi delegation was impressed by the preparations of Pakistani ministers and officials.

He also thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his special interest in Pakistan, which led to a successful visit by the Saudi delegation. “We must ensure the completion of this investment in Pakistan with the same spirit and dedication,” the prime minister added.

He warned that no obstacles or hindrances in this regard will be allowed. He also reiterated his commitment to working day and night for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, as promised to the people. “If we continue to work hard, we will soon achieve Pakistan’s development, prosperity, and economic stability.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister also extended Eid greetings to the participants and prayed for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity due to the blessings of Ramazan.

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Former CJP Tassaduq Hussain Jillani to head probe commission

Former CJP

ISLAMABAD:  The federal cabinet has approved constitution of an inquiry commission to probe allegations of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges.

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani will head the inquiry commission which has been approved by the federal cabinet. A one-member commission comprising Justice (Retd) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani will investigate the matter.

Sources said that the inquiry commission will inquire into the allegations of Islamabad High Court judges and submit its report within 60 days.

Sources said that the Attorney General was specially invited in today’s cabinet meeting and legal opinion was taken from him on the matter.

According to the sources, former Chief Justice Tassaduq Jillani has also been officially contacted and the legal team has also been told that the cabinet has agreed on the name of the former chief justice and the cabinet has given him a full mandate that they can take the help of any agency or institution they need in the investigation.

Sources said that the government’s legal team has been instructed to inform the Chief Justice of Pakistan about the decision that the cabinet has implemented what was decided by him in this regard.

Sources said that when this matter came up for consideration in the cabinet meeting, the bureaucracy and irrelevant people were thrown out while the cabinet members gave the authority to appoint the head of the commission to the prime minister and said that he will make the head of the commission.

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PTI’s Babar Awan name removed from ECL

Babar Awan

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has approved the inclusion of 24 names in the Exit Control List (ECL).

The Federal Cabinet approved through summary circulation of the Ministry of Interior Affairs and 24 names were approved to be placed in the ECL.

The Federal Cabinet has given its approval in light of the recommendations of the Sub-Committee on ECL.

Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI)  leader Babar Awan’s name has been approved to be removed from ECL, Babar Awan’s name was included in ECL in December 2023 due to Al Qadir Trust case.

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PM, cabinet members decide against taking salary

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the federal cabinet decided to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks as part of the government’s efforts to promote austerity. The decision was made in a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister which took up different agenda items including the briefing on Staff Level Agreement with … Read more

President administers oath to 19-member federal cabinet  

President

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 19-member federal cabinet took oath.

The swearing-in ceremony of federal ministers is going on in the President’s House, in which President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif are also present.

President Asif Ali Zardari is taking oath from the federal cabinet.

Those who took oath include Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Shaza Fatima Khawaja , Mohsin Naqvi, Ameer Mukam, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Jam Kamal Khan are among those who took oath.

Apart from this, Owais Ahmed Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Musadik  Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb , Mohsin Raza Naqvi Ahad Khan Cheema  and Azam Nazir Tarar are also among those who took the oath.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called the first meeting of the federal cabinet this evening.

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PM Shehbaz completes consultation for federal cabinet

federal cabinet

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has completed consultation with his close associates for the formation of the federal cabinet.

According to the sources, Muhammad Aurangzeb is likely to be made the Finance Minister, while Khawaja Asif is likely to be made the Defence Minister and Ishaq Dar is likely to be made the Foreign Minister.

Sources said that Ahsan Iqbal is likely to be given the portfolio of the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Privatization, while Atta Tarar is likely to get the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Sources said that Rana Sanaullah is likely to be made Special Assistant on Interior Affairs while Shamshad Akhtar can be made Special Assistant on Finance.

According to the sources, Amir Maqam is likely to be entrusted with the Ministry of Water Resources and Musadik Malik with the portfolio of Petroleum and Energy.

Sources say that Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Mustafa Kamal is likely to be made the Minister of Science and Technology, while Faisal Sabzwari is likely to be given the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and Farooq Sattar to get the Federal Ministry of Overseas.

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Federal cabinet approved inclusion of 35 names in ECL

cabinet

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet approved the inclusion of 35 names in the Exit Control List (ECL), barring them from leaving the country.

This decision comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes. While approving 4 persons to go abroad under one-time permission, the cases of 26 persons were postponed based on various reasons.

According to sources, names have been included in the ECL in cases of corruption, crimes, and damage to national exchequer.

On the summary of the Ministry of Interior, approval has been taken from the federal cabinet through circulation, and approval was also given to remove the names of 30 persons from the exit control list while 4 persons were allowed to go abroad under one-time permission.

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Federal Cabinet increases price of 146 medicines

Medicine Prices Likely to Increase in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved to increase the prices of 146 essential life-saving medicines.

Following a recommendation by the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), the federal cabinet has approved an increase in the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of at least 146 drugs under the hardship category.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the cabinet held in Islamabad and chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the cabinet approved the summary that the NHS drafted in the light of recommendations of the Drug Pricing Committee of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

In the briefing in the meeting, it was informed that complaints of non-availability of drugs in the urban market can be registered on the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) online portal.

The Caretaker Prime Minister said that proposals should be prepared to further improve the efficiency of the Drug Regulatory Authority, actions against drug trafficking and hoarding should be accelerated.

The Caretaker Prime Minister directed that recommendations should be made for necessary legislation related to deregulation of drug prices.

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Federal Cabinet approves restructuring of FBR

FBR

ISLAMABAD: The Caretaker Federal Cabinet approved the restructuring and digitization of the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR).

The Federal Cabinet approved the restructuring and digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), on the recommendations of the Revenue Division.

The approval was accorded in a meeting chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

The meeting was apprised of the recommendations of an inter-ministerial committee that held its meeting on January 23 under the caretaker finance minister.

During its previous meeting, effective amendments were made in the summary after a comprehensive debate which was submitted in the cabinet’s meeting today.

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