The Federal Cabinet has approved Operation Azm-e-Istahkam. Which aims to decisively eradicate the remnants of terrorists, the nexus of crime and terrorism, and violent extremism in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced this during a National Assembly and the Federal Cabinet session. Additionally, the cabinet endorsed the decisions of the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Collaboration with IMF for Budget
Due to uncontrollable conditions, the budget was prepared together with the IMF; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged it. If there is a reply from the IMF, he said that may carry cheerful tidings. Addressing the points of Zain Qureshi of the Sunni Ittehad Council regarding South Punjab, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to allocate a budget that exceeds the population proportion of South Punjab.
Enhancements for South Punjab
The Prime Minister emphasized various initiatives for South Punjab, including an additional 10% quota for distributing laptops to deserving students and increasing the stipend for girls up to sixth grade under the Zewar-e-Taleem program from Rs. 200 to Rs. 600. Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the Lodhran to Khanewal and Dera Ghazi Khan to Muzaffargarh motorways as federal projects funded by national resources.
Reducing Government Expenditure
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced measures to reduce government expenditures, including eliminating the Public Works Department (PWD), known for significant annual financial corruption. He acknowledged members’ personal experiences with PWD and reiterated the government’s commitment to downsizing and rightsizing, led by the finance minister.
National Action Plan Continuation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting, which approved the Apex Committee’s decisions of the National Action Plan, ensuring the operation would be intelligence-based and not involve mass relocations.
The Prime Minister clarified that Operation Azm-e-Istahkam is a continuation of the National Action Plan and aims to address the remnants of terrorism and violent extremism without causing public distress.
Economic and Energy Initiatives
PM Shehbaz Sharif promised to impose no additional charges on solar panels to guarantee cheap renewable energy for the masses. He stressed the need to develop small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to enhance exports and economic stability. The Prime Minister reiterated the priority of financial protection and equal development opportunities for the commoner.
Privatization and Trade Approvals
Officials briefed the cabinet on the progress of privatizing state institutions, notably Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Privatization is advancing rapidly, with companies expressing interest and visiting PIA sites. The bidding for PIA is scheduled for the first week of August. The Prime Minister directed to expedite the privatization process with transparency.
Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan
The Federal Cabinet has allowed for the transportation of truck components from Karachi to Kabul inside a container. The Pakistani Government made this one-time exception in response to an appeal from UNWFP Afghanistan. The Government of Pakistan granted this special allowance solely on humanitarian grounds.
