PM says economic situation shows improvement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the country's economic situation has improved over the past two months due to the joint efforts of all stakeholders. 

He added that collective endeavours will further steer the economy towards stability and highlighted the increase in exports and foreign investments, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and other countries. 

The premier also announced measures to curb electricity theft and decisions regarding transmission lines.

Earlier today, under the chairmanship of PM Shehbaz, the federal cabinet convened where it sanctioned the establishment of an additional special court in Makran Division to handle anti-narcotics cases in Balochistan, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Law and Justice.

This special court's jurisdiction will encompass the districts of Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Hub, and Lasbela. The cabinet directed appointment of judges with 'exemplary reputation' to improve the prosecution process within the special court.

Acting upon the Ministry of State and Border Affairs' proposal, the cabinet extended the validity of Proof of Registration (POR) cards for Afghan refugees from April 1 to June 30.

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This extension enables POR cardholders to access educational institutions, banking services, and other facilities within Pakistan.

Additionally, it was disclosed that POR cardholders will undergo repatriation in the third phase of a program aimed at repatriating foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Pakistan.

The repatriation procedures for foreign nationals without proper identification documents is in progress as part of the program's first phase, the cabinet was informed.

During the session, the federal secretary for privatization also briefed the cabinet on the recent advancements in the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

He informed that advertisements soliciting expressions of interest were published in national and international newspapers on April 2, with a deadline set for May 3.

The cabinet also received a comprehensive briefing from the secretary of aviation on the ongoing initiatives to enhance facilities at Pakistan's airports, particularly those in Lahore and Karachi.

It was revealed that service counters have been augmented at these airports, with further enhancements underway.

The cabinet learned that consultations with stakeholders regarding the formulation of a drone policy for utilizing drone technology in the agricultural sector are nearing conclusion and that it is set to be presented to the cabinet for approval soon.

The cabinet also greenlit the resolutions adopted during the gathering of the cabinet committee on legislative affairs held on April 18.