PM reiterates responsible nuclear posture

Says assets strictly for deterrence and defense

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for concerted national efforts to transform Pakistan into an economic power, urging the same level of dedication and resilience that enabled the country to achieve its status as a responsible nuclear state.

The prime minister, in his televised opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet, highlighted that the government's economic team had made collective efforts over the past two years, which were coming to fruition, ensuring stability and preventing the need for rationing.

"This is a long and difficult journey. However, nations that commit to facing and overcoming their challenges are the ones that ultimately meet with success," he remarked.

Referring to the US-Iran conflict, he said that while a temporary ceasefire was currently in place, the war had created significant hurdles for regional economies, including Pakistan.

About the celebrations of the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, he said that a year ago, Allah had blessed the nation with grandeur due to the professional excellence of the armed forces and national unity.

"The forces, with utmost valor, taught the enemy a lesson they would never forget," the prime minister remarked.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, the prime minister emphasized that the nation remembered that day as the moment Pakistan achieved an impregnable defense in 1998.

He underscored that Pakistan's nuclear assets were strictly for deterrence and defense, not offense that has earned the country global recognition as a responsible nuclear state.

Prime Minister Shehbaz paid rich tribute to the "heroes" of Pakistan's nuclear journey, specifically crediting Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating the program and Nawaz Sharif for its successful conclusion.

He also lauded the vital roles played by scientists, politicians, and national institutions in reaching this milestone.

Referring to the martyrdom of Liaquat, a resident of Attock, who was martyred after he confronted a suicide bomber, the prime minister said the government had posthumously conferred Sitara-e-Shujaat to recognise his sacrifice.

The sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism are unmatched, he remarked.

Wheat Trade

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, taking notice of the issues being faced in the buying and selling of wheat across the country, constituted a cabinet committee to address the matter.

The meeting of the federal cabinet was held here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the meeting, the recommendations of the cabinet committee formed to review the Hajj Policy 2027–2030 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony were also presented before the cabinet.

Approving the committee's recommendations, the federal cabinet directed that an accountability mechanism be developed for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and private Hajj operators to ensure the protection of pilgrims' rights.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the federal cabinet approved handing over the construction and development of a low-cost housing project in Farash Town, Islamabad, for residents of Islamabad's informal settlements (Kachi Abadis) to the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

On the recommendation of the Revenue Division, the federal cabinet approved conducting departmental promotion examinations for Pakistan Customs officers, including Inspectors Customs, Intelligence Officers, Preventive Officers, Appraising Officers, and Valuation Officers, through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

The federal cabinet also approved the decisions taken during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases held on April 29, 2026. However, the cabinet directed that the opinion of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) be sought regarding amendments to the Tobacco Marketing Control Rules, 2016.

Waste to energy policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the formation of a task force on waste-to-energy production.

This task force will review the existing waste-to-energy framework and work on developing a new national policy in this regard.

The task force will formulate a national waste-to-energy policy aimed at promoting waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan through private sector encouragement, a clear strategy, institutional mechanisms, and a comprehensive roadmap, a statement issued by the PM House said.

Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari will serve as the convener of the task force.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Federal Secretaries for Climate Change and Inter-Provincial Coordination, as well as the secretaries of Local Government, Climate Change, and Energy departments from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, will also be members of the task force.

Relevant representatives from the private sector have also been included as members of the task force.

The task force will review Pakistan's current waste-to-energy framework, examine international best practices, and identify legal, regulatory, financial, and operational barriers in this sector.

Its Terms of Reference (TORs) also include proposing measures related to legislation and regulatory reforms for waste-to-energy initiatives.

The task force will further recommend steps to facilitate investment, coordination, and implementation of waste-to-energy projects in Pakistan.