ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified on Tuesday that the planned anti-terrorism campaign ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ would not involve a large-scale military operation or the mass displacement of local populations.
Instead, the PM described it as a comprehensive national strategy of a multifaceted cooperation of various security agencies and the entire state system to decisively eliminate the presence of terrorists and extremism.
He provided this clarification during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, addressing misunderstandings and speculations surrounding Azm-e-Istehkam.
The federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved the Azm-e-Istehkam operation, along with other decisions made by the Central Apex Committee.
He assured cabinet members that instead of new taxes on solar panels, efforts would focus on ensuring affordable solar energy for all citizens. Expressing satisfaction with the country’s progress towards economic stability, he emphasized plans to boost exports by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises and removing privileges from elites exploiting national resources.
Regarding the 2024-25 budget, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed members to actively participate in parliamentary debates. The privatization of PIA was reported to be progressing swiftly, with bids scheduled for the first week of August, under strict transparency guidelines.
In response to a request from the World Food Programme, the cabinet approved a one-time transit of truck spare parts from Karachi to Kabul on humanitarian grounds.
Other approvals included the appointment of the Executive Director of the Frequency Allocation Board and the export of surplus sugar stock, ensuring no increase in domestic sugar prices.
The federal cabinet endorsed various decisions by committees including the Economic Coordination Committee, Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases, and the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to economic growth, stability, and equity for all citizens.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs Federal Cabinet Meeting, today in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/tQpoEEprhb
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 25, 2024
