Cabinet assures full medicine availability in Parachinar

The federal cabinet convened in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss ongoing relief efforts in Parachinar and evaluate proposals for restructuring government ministries to enhance efficiency and reduce expenditures.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the meeting where the cabinet was informed that all essential medicines have been ensured at hospitals in Parachinar.

Additionally, the PM's helicopter has been designated to facilitate the transportation of patients from Parachinar to other cities for medical care as relief activities in the area are ongoing, with collaborative efforts from both federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governments.

The session also focused on recommendations for right-sizing government ministries. The committee overseeing this policy presented its proposals for ministries such as Science and Technology, Commerce, Housing and Works, and National Food Security and Research.

Key recommendations included complete closure of certain departments, mergers of some departments to streamline operations and reduction of staff by 30% in the secretariats of relevant ministries. If implemented, these measures are projected to save approximately Rs42.1 billion annually for the national exchequer.

Cabinet members reviewed the recommendations and provided feedback. PM Shehbaz directed the committee to incorporate the Cabinet’s suggestions and submit a revised report for further deliberation.

During the meeting, he expressed profound sorrow over the sectarian violence in Kurram District, which resulted in losses on both sides, while also criticising the K-P government's handling of the situation.

"Both groups are armed in Kurram, but I do not wish to go into the details. The unfortunate part is that, at the time of this bloodshed, Islamabad was being attacked. Had the K-P government focused on it, the damage would have been less," he lamented.

He concluded by saying, "I am not questioning anyone's intentions, but if the intent is otherwise, it will not benefit the country. I hope that PTI and the government will work together to find a solution in the best interest of Pakistan. We will move forward with sincerity, but both hands need to clap for success. I am hopeful that PTI will also work in the national interest."