Speaking at the federal cabinet meeting, where he was asked to reassure the members about the widespread “misunderstanding and speculations” regarding the Azm-e-Istehkam, the prime minister announced that the already-running kinetic operations based on intelligence would be strengthened rather than any large-scale operation.
The Azm-e-Istehkam, according to PM Shehbaz, is a multi-domain, comprehensive national vision meant to firmly eradicate the hazy and elusive existence of violent extremism and terrorist remnants.
He went on, “It is only a misunderstanding that a large-scale armed operation would require displacement and that it is being launched under Vision Azm-i-Istehkam.”
The prime minister assured the cabinet that no new requirements would be placed on the solar panels to guarantee that every citizen had access to affordable solar energy.
He expressed happiness that the nation is moving toward economic stability and stated that the administration intends to set the economy of the nation on a positive trajectory.
The prime minister reaffirmed the determination to increase the nation’s exports through the support of small and medium-sized businesses and the removal of privileges for the wealthy and those who abuse the riches of the country. He went on to say that among the government’s top concerns were giving the average person equal chances and economic protection.
During the yearly budget 2024–25 discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the members instructions to make sure they were present during the ongoing parliamentary budget debate.
The cabinet members were briefed on the rapid pace of the PIA’s privatization, with companies expressing interest in the pre-bidding process visiting various PIA sites. It was announced that the PIA auction would take place during the first week of August.
The prime minister gave the order to expedite the privatization of the PIA while maintaining process transparency.
For once, on the basis of humanitarian considerations, the federal cabinet authorized the transit of a vehicle carrying truck spare parts from Karachi to Kabul, per the suggestion of the commerce ministry and a request from the World Food Programme of Afghanistan.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Arabian and Pakistani Ministries of Religious Affairs was also approved by the cabinet. The implementation committee’s timeline for the late Ameer of Bahawalpur’s immovable property was also extended till March 2025 in light of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision and the States and Frontier Regions Division’s suggestion.
The appointment of the Executive Director of the Frequency Allocation Board was also approved by the federal cabinet.
The prime minister issued an order directing the formation of a committee to monitor the price of sugar and halt its export in the event that a price increase was possible, stating that the government would not tolerate any increase in sugar prices.
The planning ministry’s annual report to the National Economic Council for the fiscal year 2022–2023 was approved during the meeting and will be presented to the parliament.
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The decisions made on June 13, 2024, by the Economic Coordination Committee, June 11, 2024, by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases, and June 20, 2024, by the Cabinet Committee on State Owned Enterprises were approved by the federal cabinet.