PM Shehbaz vows to turn Pakistan into economic power, cites nuclear journey as example
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs progress review meeting on reforms in housing sector. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed the resolve to make Pakistan an economic power with the same hard work, spirit, and commitment that was demonstrated in making Pakistan a nuclear power, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing a cabinet meeting, he paid tribute to all the heroes, including scientists, politicians, and other institutions, who made Pakistan’s defence impregnable and enabled it to become a nuclear power.
The prime minister said all governments had also played a key role in attaining nuclear capability, adding that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence was for defence and not for offensive purposes.
PM Shehbaz said the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. However, it was former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who took it to its logical conclusion and conducted nuclear tests.
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے آج اسلام آباد میں منعقدہ وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں گفتگو کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ ملک کو ایٹمی طاقت بنانے والے تمام ہیروز کو خراج تحسین پیش کرتے ہیں. انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ پاکستان کی ایٹمی طاقت رہتی دنیا تک ہمارا دفاعی اثاثہ ہے۔ 10 مئی کو پوری قوم نے معرکہ حق… pic.twitter.com/lHimoxHAv4
He said history would always remember May 28, when Pakistan re-emerged as a nuclear power and was blessed with the strength that would remain an asset for the country’s defence.
Turning to Marka-e-Haq, the prime minister said the first anniversary was celebrated in a befitting manner on May 10. He said this landmark victory was achieved due to the blessings of Allah Almighty and through national unity and cohesion.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s armed forces taught the enemy a lesson with great courage and bravery, which they would remember for the rest of their lives.
The term “Marka-e-Haq” refers to the 2025 conflict with India, which began with the April 22 Pahalgam attack and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
The prime minister also lauded the sacrifices rendered in the fight against terrorism, saying Pakistan was making unparalleled efforts to eliminate terrorism.
He further appreciated the teamwork of all cabinet members for economic improvement over the past two years despite several challenges.
On the occasion, the cabinet also offered fateha for the elevation of the ranks of all those martyred in the war against terrorism.
PM calls housing reforms urgent need
Earlier, PM Shehbaz chaired a review meeting on housing sector reforms, where he underlined the need for immediate and structured action to address the growing demand for housing.
He said that rising population growth had made reforms in the housing sector an urgent national requirement, stressing that expanding access to affordable housing remains a key government priority.
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“Increasing population growth has made reforms in the housing sector an urgent requirement,” he said. Premier added that the government’s focus included providing housing for low-income groups, promoting affordable housing schemes, encouraging private sector participation, and improving public facilities.
اسلام آباد: 14 مئی، 2026
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ہاؤسنگ کے شعبے میں اصلاحات کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کی.
اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ بڑھتی ہوئی آبادی کے پیش نظر ہاؤسنگ کے شعبے میں اصلاحات وقت کی اہم ضرورت ہے. کم آمدنی والے طبقے کے لیے رہائش کی… pic.twitter.com/5642z9ILxtDuring the meeting, he reiterated that affordable housing and better urban planning were central to the government’s policy direction as urban pressures continue to rise across major cities.
The prime minister also directed that housing sector processes be digitised and automated to ensure greater transparency and efficiency, while calling for a stronger regulatory framework to attract investment and improve governance in the sector.
Officials briefed the meeting on proposals, including mandatory registration of developers with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the introduction of a one-window system for stakeholders, and measures to curb unplanned urban expansion.
The briefing also highlighted plans to promote vertical development and prepare master town planning frameworks for major cities. The prime minister instructed that the proposals be further discussed with provincial governments to ensure coordinated implementation.
Read More: Population may hit 390m by 2050
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the PM Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman National Accountability Bureau Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and senior government officials.
According to the Population Projections report 2023-50, launched by the planning minister stated that, in the next 25 years, Pakistan's population may explode to 390 million, marking an increase of 62%, of which 256 million people will be in the market looking for jobs, which is more than the existing total population.
The report said the number of children aged below 18 years was projected to rise from 118 million to 139.7 million by 2050, up 18%. However, the working-age population (15-64 years) was expected to increase markedly from 135.2 million to 255.4 million, higher by 89%.
Although the report did not comment on the economic growth rate needed to create jobs for the majority of these 255 million people, Pakistan's current growth model and trend are not sufficient to absorb the workforce.
The country needed a sustainable economic growth of 6-8% to create jobs for people already in the market but the economy is growing at an average annual pace of around 3.5%. The government is also implementing fiscal and monetary consolidation policies under the IMF programme that do not allow growth above 5%.