ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet on Thursday, where the government granted in-principle approval for the imposition of a Climate Emergency and Agricultural Emergency in view of the ongoing monsoon and flood situation across the country.
The prime minister announced that he would soon convene a meeting of the chief ministers of all four provinces along with relevant officials to formulate a future strategy aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
The cabinet was briefed on the current flood situation and the scale of losses. Members highlighted damages to millions of acres of farmland and crops, while also proposing measures for the restoration of infrastructure, compensation for agricultural losses, and assistance to farmers.
Condemnation of derogatory content against martyrs
The cabinet strongly condemned the circulation of derogatory remarks and material on social media targeting the martyrs and the armed forces of Pakistan. It paid tribute to officers and soldiers guarding the nation’s borders and lauded the sacrifices of martyrs and their families for peace in the country. The prime minister emphasized that discouraging such elements and countering their malicious campaigns was a collective national duty. The cabinet also offered prayers for Major Adnan Aslam Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during the Bannu operation.
Public relief measures
In a significant step for consumer relief, the cabinet approved the provision of RLNG connections to consumers awaiting gas supply, on the recommendation of the petroleum ministry. Following this approval, Sui Northern and Sui Southern Gas Companies will begin providing the connections. Officials informed the meeting that RLNG supply would cost consumers nearly 30 percent less than LPG.
The cabinet also ratified the tripartite government-to-government framework agreement on a joint feasibility study among Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Signed last month, the agreement is regarded as a strategic initiative to enhance regional trade and connectivity.
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The cabinet ratified the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCOIGCT), and the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC).
The meeting also offered prayers for the late mother of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the late elder brother of Minister of State for Food Security Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan, and the late father of former Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.
Separately, the prime minister condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes in Doha, terming them illegal and heinous. He expressed solidarity with the Amir of Qatar, the Qatari royal family, and the people of Qatar over the loss of lives and property.
