Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to spare no effort until relief and rehabilitation work is completed in the flood-affected areas. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting, he emphasized the federal government's full cooperation with provincial governments to address the aftermath of the floods.
According to Radio Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif commended the armed forces for their role in rescue and relief operations, highlighting that the Pakistan Army reached remote areas to assist people, utilizing helicopters for the mission. He stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in moving forward together.
The Prime Minister noted that recent rains and flash floods resulted in over seven hundred fatalities, with more than four hundred deaths occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He underscored the increased responsibility of the climate change ministry and other relevant departments in tackling climate-related issues.
Expressing concerns over illegal river constructions and deforestation in Galiyat, Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to convene a meeting to address these issues, emphasizing the need to prevent man-made disasters.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister referred to the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister, reaffirming the strong and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He mentioned his upcoming visit to China for bilateral meetings and the SCO meeting.
A moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives in the recent calamities. The Federal Cabinet approved the dissolution of Utility Stores Corporation, with operations officially terminated as of July 31. Prime Minister Sharif directed that employee rights be safeguarded during the dissolution, insisting on transparency and compliance with legal frameworks.
Additionally, the Cabinet provisionally approved amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act of 2012 to boost industrial development and attract new industries. The proposed changes aim to create a business-friendly environment, promoting industrial growth.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the importance of a conducive business environment for economic stability and growth, affirming that industrial expansion would lead to increased exports and job creation.
Following recommendations from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Cabinet reviewed proposals to stabilize urea fertilizer prices. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of reducing production costs for farmers to enhance agricultural output.
To tackle this, he formed a committee comprising Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Prime Minister's Advisor Muhammad Ali, and Special Assistant for Industry Haroon Akhtar.