Zero tolerance for border attacks: PM

PM, cabinet members to forego salaries, perks

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a resolute declaration on Wednesday, asserting zero tolerance towards any form of cross-border attacks, as stated in a press release from the PM Office.

"We will unequivocally reject and respond firmly to any act of terrorism originating from across our borders," affirmed the prime minister during the inaugural session of the federal cabinet.

In response to recent terrorist incidents within Pakistan, the country undertook intelligence-driven anti-terror operations within Afghanistan. The operations targeted those responsible for attacks resulting in the loss of numerous civilian and law enforcement lives.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the imperative to prevent terrorist infiltration from neighbouring territories, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering stance against such threats.

"We aspire to foster peaceful coexistence with our neighbouring nations and seek to bolster trade and bilateral relations," added the prime minister, stressing the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism and addressing poverty.

He extended an invitation to neighbouring countries to collaborate in efforts aimed at eradicating terrorism and alleviating poverty, emphasising the shared responsibility in ensuring regional stability and prosperity.

On the deal with the International Monetary Fund, the prime minister told the cabinet that the country needed a new IMF loan, adding that increasing the tax base was mandatory for securing this deal.

Expressing resolve to streamline the country’s economy by bringing strict reforms in all public departments, the prime minister said the government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against power thieves, tax evaders and corrupt elements.

He said Rs 2.4 trillion worth of tax cases were currently pending either in tribunals or in courts which needed to be concluded as early as possible. “I request the chief justice of Pakistan to help in early conclusion of all such sub-judice cases.”

He said during his recent meetings with the diplomats of the friendly countries, he conveyed them that the government was eager to enhance bilateral relations with those countries in terms of trade and investment.

Read: PM vows to eliminate terrorism from country

The prime minister said the provinces should support the federal government to achieve its goals of bringing to a halt to power theft and tax evasion.

Meanwhile, the meeting took up different agenda items including the briefing on Staff Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the constitution of PIA Holding Company and others.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the federal cabinet decided to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks as part of the government’s efforts to promote austerity.

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the cabinet members on the Staff Level Agreement with the IMF. It was told that the agreement would help improve the national economy and boost the investors’ confidence.

As an important headway towards the PIA’s privatisation, the cabinet approved the formation of the PIA Holding Company. The PM directed to further speed up the privatization process of PIA besides ensuring transparency in the process.

He also directed to formulate a committee with regard to outsourcing of the airports.

The cabinet, on the recommendation of the ministry of commerce, approved to form a committee for determining the exemption of bans regarding exports and imports. Federal Minister for Commerce would be the convener of the committee.

The committee would determine the said exemption under section 21 of the Trade Organizations Act 2013 and in this regard it would also hear the appeals.

Likewise, on the recommendation of interior ministry, the cabinet approved to send the recommendations of the federal commission established on the order of the Islamabad High Court regarding the arrest/detention of former member of the National

Assembly Dr. Shireen Mazari to the relevant federal and provincial authorities.

On the proposal of the Ministry of Law and Justice and the recommendation of the Sindh High Court Karachi, the cabinet approved the return of the services of District and Sessions Judge Ghulam Shah, who was working on deputation in Banking Court II, Hyderabad, to his department.