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Tag: PM Shehbaz

  • Trump says PM Shehbaz, COAS Munir fully back Gaza peace plan

    Trump says PM Shehbaz, COAS Munir fully back Gaza peace plan

    United States (US) President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir have fully backed his Gaza peace plan that calls for an immediate ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal and the release of hostages, including over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, within 48 hours.

    “PM and Field Marshal… they were right with us from the beginning. Incredible, in fact. They just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact. They back this 100%,” Trump said while addressing a joint press conference along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    His remarks came hours after the premier welcomed Trump’s plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, saying a durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel is essential for regional stability and economic growth.

    In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said he was “convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region”.

    “It is also my firm belief that President Trump is fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary to make this extremely important and urgent understanding to become a reality,” he wrote and praised Trump’s leadership.

    The premier reiterated his support for a two-state solution and said he also strongly believed that the implementation of the two-state proposal was essential to ensure lasting peace in the region.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan pledged support for the plan at the United Nations (UN) as well. 

    Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the UN Security Council (UNSC) members that Islamabad, in coordination with eight OIC and Arab states, would actively participate in the consultative process to support a sustainable resolution.

    “We value the initiative of President Donald Trump, working with eight OIC and Arab countries to advance peace through concrete measures,” the envoy said while addressing a briefing on the Middle East.


    “As a participant in this consultative process, Pakistan will closely engage and play a constructive role in promoting consensus,” he added, stressing that the goal was to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace consistent with UN resolutions.

    It may be noted that PM Shehbaz had on Sunday said that the recent meeting between President Trump and leaders of eight Arab-Islamic countries in New York was encouraging.

    He had said he was confident the talks would yield a positive outcome for a ceasefire in Gaza, following which President Trump had also said that “all were on board for something special, first time ever”.

  • PM Shehbaz, CM KP, PFL give Rs4.5 million to footballer Muhammad Riaz

    PM Shehbaz, CM KP, PFL give Rs4.5 million to footballer Muhammad Riaz

    Pakistan footballer Muhammad Riaz, who once represented the country in the 2018 Asian Games, is finally receiving recognition after a video of him selling jalebis went viral.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Riaz to PM House in Islamabad and handed him a cheque worth Rs2.5 million. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met the athlete in Peshawar, awarding him Rs1 million and appointed him as a coach.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Football League (PFL) has also stepped forward to help the sportsman, announcing Rs1 million prize money for Riaz after news of his struggles surfaced online. 

    The former K-Electric footballer lost his job when the department disbanded its football team. Now, with this support, he is set to train young players and continue contributing to Pakistan’s football scene.

  • PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for unity against enemies

    PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for unity against enemies

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for national unity and a firm stance against terrorism, emphasising the need to recognise and confront the nation’s enemies.

    During a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he stressed that there is no room for weakness in addressing terrorism.

    Sharif expressed the government’s willingness to engage with individuals in Balochistan who respect Pakistan’s constitution and flag, but warned that those who act as enemies while pretending to be allies will face no leniency.

    He described recent terrorist attacks as deeply troubling and underscored the government’s resolve to overcome these challenges.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that terrorist groups aim to disrupt the country’s progress and sabotage the development of Balochistan. He called for decisive action to eliminate these threats and ensure the security and stability of the nation.

  • Prime Minister directs swift implementation of China-Pakistan industrial agreements

    Prime Minister directs swift implementation of China-Pakistan industrial agreements

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a detailed roadmap for the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan on Saturday.

    During a review meeting to assess the progress of Pakistan-China cooperation agreements following his visit to China, the Prime Minister was briefed on the planned collaboration with Chinese companies.

    This collaboration aims to transfer Chinese textile, medical and surgical equipment, and plastic and leather industries to Pakistan.

    It was noted that 78 Pakistani companies have initially expressed interest in this industrial transfer.

    Facilitating Chinese industry relocation

    The Board of Investment (BOI) presented a comprehensive report detailing the progress and action plan for this initiative. Prime Minister Sharif directed relevant institutions and officials to ensure all necessary facilities are provided to Pakistani companies collaborating with Chinese firms.

    He emphasised that any delays in implementing the memorandums of understanding with China would not be tolerated. The Prime Minister highlighted China’s steadfast support during challenging times and noted the Chinese leadership’s commitment to increasing investment in Pakistan.

    Sharif underscored that the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan would bolster the national economy, create new job opportunities, and enhance exports.

    During the meeting, the Prime Minister was also briefed on various projects. The Minister for Planning shared details of his recent visit to China. It was reported that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway would be completed through a Public-Private Partnership.

    Additionally, a plan to send 1,000 students to China for modern agricultural vocational training at government expense has been finalised, with the first batch scheduled to depart at the start of the academic year.

    Subsequent batches will attend modern agricultural universities in China after completing Chinese language courses in Pakistan.

    The meeting was also informed about plans to convert power plants from imported coal to local coal. Moreover, a roadshow is being organised in Beijing to promote business and investment opportunities in Pakistan, in collaboration with Chinese partners.

  • PM Shehbaz offers talks to Imran Khan

    PM Shehbaz offers talks to Imran Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has offered talks to incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to resolve political differences.

    During his address to the National Assembly (NA), the PM emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in leading the country towards economic growth and political stability.

    “In my first speech, I stressed the importance of the Charter of Democracy. Now, it is imperative that we agree on a Charter of Economy,” said PM Shehbaz.

    “If their [PTI] founder is facing troubles [in jail], then I reiterate: come, let’s sit down and talk,” Shehbaz Sharif said during his speech in the National Assembly (NA).

    Talking about the February 8 polls, PM Shehbaz said: “We joined the parliament despite the [rigged] polls. The sort of slogans that were raised during my first speech will always be remembered as a dark chapter in the history books.”

  • Bilawal to meet PM Shehbaz today as budget reservations loom

    Bilawal to meet PM Shehbaz today as budget reservations loom

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will meet Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif today to discuss his party’s reservations about the federal budget for 2024-2025.

    The National Assembly (NA) is holding a budget session today after Eid break.

    The Bilawal-led party has criticized Shehbaz’s government for taking all decisions about the presented federal budget alone.

    PPP had decided upon boycotting the budget session last week, but Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held talks with PPP’s top leadership to convince them to support it.

    The delegation of PPP- headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari- will convey their reservations on the budget in today’s meeting to Shehbaz Sharif at PM’s house in the federal capital, as per The News.

    “The government reached out for the meeting, and Bilawal will place genuine PPP concerns before PM Shehbaz,” PPP’s Secretary Information Shazia Marri confirmed.

  • PM Shehbaz invites PPP to join extended cabinet

    PM Shehbaz invites PPP to join extended cabinet

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to extend the federal cabinet after the budget and invited Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) once again to join the cabinet, The News reported on Wednesday.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior political leaders and members of allied parties will be included in the extended cabinet.

    Shehbaz Sharif has started working on enlisting new cabinet members, inviting PPP to join the government to work together for the betterment of the country.

    PML-N has given the task to its senior leader, Ahsan Iqbal. He as already talked to Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti and PPP’s trusted leader Qamar Zaman Kaira.

    After the elections, PPP decided against becoming part of the cabinet.

    However, the party does hold constitutional and parliamentary posts.

  • PM Shehbaz arrives in UAE on important visit

    PM Shehbaz arrives in UAE on important visit

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a one-day-long visit to hold discussions with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the shared interests of both countries.

    The vice president and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received PM Shehbaz at the airport. Multiple individuals, including Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid, were also present at the airport.

    This is Shehbaz Sharif’s first visit to the UAE after becoming prime minister of the country. Top federal ministers, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, are accompanying Shehbaz on his visit

  • Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    The government has briefed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about plans to change the country’s solar power policy, Geo News has reported.

    According to the government, almost 1938 MW of electricity in the system through roof-top solar system under net metering mode.

    Because of this revenue loss of Rs100 billion in the system has been shifted to consumers by passing a hike of tariff to Rs1.90 per unit on those who have not installed solar systems on their roofs.

    The government intends to introduce gross metering instead of net metering.

    The tariff would be reduced to Rs7.5 to 11 per unit instead of Rs21. They will be provided electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night or peak hours.

    However, under this new policy, a buyback tariff from solar consumers would be brought down to Rs7.5-11 per unit due to a significant decline in solar panel prices and the government would sell them electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night time or peak hours.

  • Exclusive: ‘He avoided eye contact with me’: what happened when Shafaat copied Shehbaz?

    Exclusive: ‘He avoided eye contact with me’: what happened when Shafaat copied Shehbaz?

    A light-hearted moment occurred between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and comedian Shafaat Ali during a ceremony at Prime Minister House in Islamabad.

    The Prime Minister gave a cheerful invite to Shafaat by recounting an anecdote of his past interaction with the comedian. The PM said: “Mr Shafaat has been compassionate with us today because I had a past experience with his performance and said to myself, ‘Ye main kidhar phass gya hun?’”

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed the PM’s remarks about Shafaat.

    PM Shehbaz requested the comedian to mimic him in front of the people present, which surprised many present since a sitting PM has rarely done that.

    The Current talked with the talented Shafaat Ali to get the details of his fun interaction with the PM.

    “When I went on stage, he was initially so nervous that he avoided eye contact with me. Then I made a comment on Javed Latif and everyone just exploded with laughter,” Shafaat told The Current.

    We asked Shafaat if the PM expected him to do a mimicry of the Prime Minister. “What he [PM Shehbaz] did at the end of his speech was not expected. It’s probably the first time ever that a head of state has asked an artist to imitate him in front of a live audience.”

    Shafaat remarked that he was “genuinely impressed with the PM’s cool,” given that it was a spontaneous interaction with Sharif at the end of the ceremony.

    Social media reacted positively to this event.