— Chairing cabinet meeting, PM lauds efforts of armed forces in rescue and relief operations
— Says over 700 people, including over 400 in KP, lost their lives in flash floods
— Federal Cabinet approves dissolution of Utility Stores Corporation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed concerns over illegal constructions in rivers and deforestation in Galiyat and hinted at convening a meeting soon to sort out the issues.
Chairing federal cabinet meeting here, the Prime Minister warned there is no room for man-made disasters.
PM Shehbaz vowed to spare no effort until relief and rehabilitation work is completed in the flood-affected areas, adding the federal government has extended full cooperation to the provincial governments to deal with the situation arising out of floods.
He appreciated the efforts of armed forces in rescue and relief operations. Pakistan Army reached the distant and difficult areas to rescue the people by using helicopters, said the PM, adding, “It is our collective responsibility, and together we will move forward.”
Shehbaz Sharif noted that over 700 people, including over 400 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa lost their lives in the recent rains and flash floods. He highlighted that the responsibility of climate change ministry has increased to deal with the issue of climate change. He added that other relevant departments would also have to play their part in it.
Alluding to the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said China is Pakistan’s all weather friend and a strategic partner. He said the relationship between the two countries is getting stronger with each passing day. He said China has always extended support to Pakistan. He mentioned that he would be visiting China to hold bilateral meetings in addition to attending the SCO meeting.
Federal Cabinet approves dissolution of USC
The cabinet was told that operations of Utility Stores across the country were officially terminated as of July 31.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the rights of employees be fully protected throughout the dissolution process. He stressed that the procedure must be carried out transparently in strict compliance with all legal and regulatory frameworks concerning employee welfare.
Besides, the cabinet granted in-principle approval to amend the Special Economic Zones Act of 2012 to foster industrial development and encourage the establishment of new industries. The proposed amendments aim to create a more business and investor-friendly environment within these zones, accelerating industrial growth.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated that a conducive environment for businesses and investors is essential for national industrial progress. He affirmed that the country’s economy is stable and on a path of sustained growth, and that industrial expansion will lead to increased exports and job creation.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the cabinet also reviewed proposals concerning the stabilisation of urea fertilizer prices.
The Prime Minister asserted that lowering production costs for farmers was crucial to boosting agricultural output.
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.
Earlier this week, PM and COAS visited flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla and Swabi, pledging that every available national resource would be mobilised to accelerate recovery and restore normalcy.
PM drew attention towards the illegal encroachments, timber mafia and mining / crushing activities, especially in waterways which contribute greatly towards loss of lives and damages. COAS interacted with troops, police and civil administration personnel involved in rescue efforts, lauding their selfless commitment in assisting victims of floods and torrential rains.
Moreover, PM also announced that the federal cabinet will donate one month’s salary to support flood-affected communities in K-P. Kashmir and G-B Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam had been tasked with overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods.
