PM vows to contribute to Gaza reconstruction

Cabinet approves transfer of PECA from IT ministry to interior ministry

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, assuring maximum contribution of Pakistan to the reconstruction phase in Gaza following the 42-day ceasefire there.

The prime minister, in his televised opening remarks while chairing the federal cabinet meeting, said that the World Bank had established a long-term partnership framework, to invest $20 billion in Pakistan in the next 10 years.

He said that the Gaza ceasefire had come after the death of over 50,000 Palestinian people, including men, women, and children, and the destruction of cities to piles of rubble. He prayed the temporary 42-day ceasefire turned into a permanent truce.

"Pakistan has always raised its voice for the Palestinian brothers," the prime minister said. "We will continue to play our role in the future as much as we can. The reconstruction phase is about to begin in Gaza, in which Pakistan will play its part and fulfil its duty," he added.

He told the ministers that the Gwadar International Airport – which was completed with $230 million funding from China – had started its operations. "If run on commercial lines, the Airport can bring immense benefits to the people of Balochistan as well as the whole country," he added.

"But those who are poised to hurt Pakistan and continue to kill people, are not just going against the people of Balochistan but also showing animosity against the entire Pakistan... We should value this Chinese gift to Pakistan. The Airport will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan's development," he said.

Referring to the 10-Year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan announced by the World Bank, he said Pakistan would get $20 billion in loans to develop multiple social sectors and infrastructure. He urged the relevant ministries to remove the hiccups in the process.

Shehbaz expressed his pleasure over the record increase in the information technology (IT) exports to the highest-ever $348 million in December 2024. He also expressed satisfaction with a constant surge in the country's overall exports and improving economic indicators.

Later, the cabinet, approved an amendment to the Rules of Business 1973 to transfer the responsibility of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) from the IT ministry to the interior ministry, as recommended by the Cabinet Division.

The prime minister constituted a committee headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to review the Toshakhana Act 2024 in order to bring more transparency to the system, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing.

The ministers approved a two-year extension in the validation of the licences for 86 foreign pilots, currently working in Pakistan, and sanctioned the appointment of Dr Ammar Habib Khan as member finance of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority Appellate Tribunal.

Meanwhile, the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a deadly fire incident in a hotel in Turkiye.