PM orders abolition of unnecessary posts

Dar vows to strengthen partnership with US. ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities concerned to accelerate the implementation of the government’s right-sizing measures to improve efficiency. He was chairing a review meeting on right-sizing and improving the efficiency of the federal government in Islamabad. The PM said the performance of government institutions should be significantly improved through the use of modern technology and enhanced training. How does the US policy toward Taiwan affects Sino-US relations? He highlighted that the abolition of unnecessary posts and positions is an integral part of the government’s reform agenda. Shehbaz Sharif noted that, under the right-sizing initiative, the Utility Stores Corporation, the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) have already been closed, resulting in savings for the national exchequer. He directed that a third-party audit be conducted of the posts abolished and institutions closed under the right-sizing policy to ensure transparency and accountability. Wildlife official takes notice of wild boar sighting near Fateh Jang, urges caution The Prime Minister also instructed the Right-Sizing Committee to finalize its remaining recommendations within one month. The meeting was informed that the right-sizing initiative has reduced the ratio of civil government expenditure to GDP and that vacant posts in various ministries and government departments have been abolished. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Tuesday that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen its cooperation with the United States in trade, investment, agriculture, IT, mines and energy sectors. He was talking to a US Congressional delegation, comprising Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartener in Islamabad. The PM welcomed the Congressmen to Pakistan and said their visit is a welcome step towards building stronger Pakistan-US ties. Jatli Police trace blind murder, arrest 2 While congratulating the Congressmen and the American people on the 250th anniversary of US Independence, the Prime Minister also conveyed his warm regards and best wishes for President Donald Trump. The prime minister fondly recalled President Trump’s bold and decisive intervention in May last year that led to cessation of hostilities and ceasefire between Pakistan and India and helped saved hundreds of millions of lives. Both the Congressmen thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality. They noted that President Trump enjoyed excellent relations with the Pakistani leadership, which was also having a positive impact on the bilateral ties. Punjab Education Department assures major reforms for private schools They praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s leading role in regional peace efforts. The two sides agreed to increase the number and frequency of visits by Congressional delegations to Pakistan as well as visits of parliamentary delegations to the US. Later, the Prime Minister hosted a reception in honour of a delegation of U. S. corporate sector executives who are visiting Pakistan and include representatives of diverse sectors including IT and technology, energy, mining and manufacturing. Political Polarisation Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the U. S. , emphasizing that economic cooperation remains a central pillar of bilateral ties. He invited more U. S. companies to invest in Pakistan in mutually beneficial ventures across a wide range of sectors. The prime minister underscored that the Pakistani American diaspora, well represented among the visiting U. S. business delegation, constitutes a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United States. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic and economic partnership with the United States through enhanced trade, investment, and parliamentary engagement. He was addressing a delegation of members of the US House of Representatives including Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner and American business leaders in Islamabad today. Ishaq Dar said Pakistan-US relationship continues to gain momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump, with frequent high-level engagements reinforcing mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. The Deputy PM highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening institutional ties. He expressed confidence that the visit would provide the US delegation with a better understanding of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic society, and economic potential. Referring to regional developments, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He appreciated the role of President Donald Trump and his administration in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire understanding last year. He said Pakistan also served as a sincere facilitator in the US-Iran dialogue, which led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year. Also, PM Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday directed the officials concerned to accelerate work on ‘Apna Ghar Scheme’. He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad today on progress of Prime Minister Apna Ghar Scheme. The PM said providing shelter to common man is one of the top most priorities of the government and Apna Ghar Scheme was launched with this very purpose. He said public and private banks should provide maximum financing to make Apna Ghar Scheme successful. The PM also directed the officials to formulate a strategy for vertical and horizontal model housing projects for the scheme. The meeting was briefed that banks have so far approved 204 billion rupees for the scheme while a financing of 27 billion rupees has been completed. PM Shehbaz Sharif further directed all federal and provincial institutions to remain on high alert and ensure full preparedness to deal with any emergency arising from the ongoing monsoon rains and the resulting flood situation across the country. He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday to assess the flood situation caused by the ongoing monsoon spell. The PM directed the National Disaster Management Authority to maintain continuous coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities and provincial governments and ensure the timely dissemination of weather forecasts and monsoon-related information to all relevant federal and provincial institutions. Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to keep the early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods in the northern areas fully operational. He said Pakistan’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, yet the country is among the worst affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. He said the government is working expeditiously on short, medium and long-term measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Prime Minister instructed the NDMA, in coordination with all relevant institutions, to ensure that every possible step is taken to minimize the loss of life and property during the ongoing monsoon season. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for the upgradation of oil refineries as it constitutes a key pillar of Pakistan’s comprehensive energy security framework. He was chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Energy in Islamabad today that approved the proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023. The Prime Minister said the modern refineries will not only help meet the country’s growing energy requirements but also reduce dependence on imported fuels and facilitate the production of environment-friendly fuels. Shehbaz Sharif also directed the introduction of reforms in the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to improve its performance and better meet market requirements, with a view to promoting competition, transparency and investment in the energy sector. He emphasised that the amended policy should be implemented effectively and without delay, warning that any negligence or unnecessary delay would not be tolerated. He directed the relevant ministries and institutions to accelerate the reform process while maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders. He reiterated that the government will continue to pursue sustainable reforms in the energy sector, promote modern technologies and create an investment-friendly environment.

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