Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that his administration would introduce the Ramazan Relief Package without the involvement of Utility Stores to prevent corruption and ensure the distribution of high-quality goods to the public.
“With the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramazan, I have instructed the Ministry of National Food Security to develop a relief package that excludes Utility Stores to eliminate corruption and substandard product distribution. I conveyed months ago that such practices cannot continue,” the prime minister stated in his televised opening remarks at a federal cabinet meeting he chaired.
He informed cabinet members that numerous complaints had surfaced regarding the implementation of the previous year’s Ramazan Package through Utility Stores. As a result, the government devised an alternative mechanism to facilitate the distribution.
Discussing the polio vaccination campaign, he paid tribute to Abdul Khaliq, a policeman who was killed in Jamrud while providing security to a polio team. The prime minister also praised PM’s Health Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar, Polio Coordinator Dr. Ayesha Farooq, the secretary of health, and the polio vaccination teams for their relentless efforts to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
Reflecting on his visit to Quetta, Shehbaz Sharif shared that he met security personnel injured in an anti-terror operation in Kalat, where 18 security officials lost their lives, and 23 terrorists were neutralized.
“I visited the injured personnel, and their morale was high. They remain ready to sacrifice for the nation. These martyrs and warriors are committed to eradicating terrorism and work tirelessly toward that goal,” he remarked.
The prime minister emphasized that security forces, including the army, police, FC, and Rangers, bear the consequences of past government missteps that allowed thousands of terrorists to be released. The cabinet members also observed Fateha for the martyred security personnel and the slain policeman.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the significant decline in inflation, which dropped to 2.4% on a month-to-month basis, marking a nine-year low from a previous 28.73%.
He congratulated the nation, cabinet members, the finance minister, and other officials, including the FBR, for their collective efforts in reducing inflation over the past 11 months.
“Our primary focus now is economic growth. This is the key challenge, and we are committed to achieving it just as we have met other objectives,” he affirmed.
He also revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had sent a delegation to Pakistan, resulting in the signing of an agreement where Saudi Arabia would provide $1.2 billion worth of oil annually on deferred payment. Additionally, the Saudi Development Fund will extend a $40 million loan for a water supply project in Mansehra.
The prime minister highlighted that the nation would observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Wednesday to express unity with the Kashmiri people.
Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the approval of agricultural income tax by all four provinces in accordance with IMF conditions, extending his gratitude to the chief ministers, President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Mian Nawaz Sharif for their support.
Jinnah Square Infrastructure Project
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the multi-billion-rupee Jinnah Square project, completed in just 72 days, to alleviate traffic congestion in Islamabad.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in the capital, he emphasized that Jinnah Square is a crucial initiative to address urban traffic issues.
The project comprises three multilane underpasses and 14 kilometers of newly constructed roads. He expressed confidence that this development would improve traffic flow, save time, and contribute to pollution reduction.
He also acknowledged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for completing the project in record time. Stressing the need for renovating government buildings from the 1960s, he lauded the interior minister for prioritizing the matter.
The prime minister proposed further beautification efforts to enhance Islamabad’s appeal and noted that the Jinnah Square project would make Srinagar Highway a signal-free corridor.
Green Channel for Overseas Pakistanis
Shehbaz Sharif announced the immediate restoration of the Green Channel initiative to assist overseas Pakistanis.
During an event organized by the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation in Islamabad, he pledged that his government would exert every effort to resolve issues faced by expatriates.
He commended overseas Pakistanis for their contributions, noting that remittances had surged by 30% due to their unwavering commitment.
The prime minister further declared that distinguished expatriates would be granted ambassador-at-large status and be issued official blue passports.
Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation, Zahir Akhtar, reiterated the expatriate community’s support for the government and armed forces, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and prosperity.
A song paying tribute to the armed forces, presented by renowned singer Rafaqat Ali, was performed at the event, with overseas Pakistanis expressing gratitude to the prime minister for their invitation to the Prime Minister’s House.
