Prime Minister Sharif Focuses on Economic Revival as Government’s Chief Objective

Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has identified the revival of the economy as the government’s most significant challenge and primary focus. During a meeting with members of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society in Islamabad today, he elaborated on the strategies being implemented to modernize the nation’s revenue collection system and enhance its economic infrastructure.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif detailed the ongoing full digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue and the initiatives to broaden the tax base as critical steps towards stabilizing the economy. He also pointed out the government’s recent organization of Tax Excellence Awards, which serve to recognize the contributions of active taxpayers, exporters, and women entrepreneurs to the national economy.

The Prime Minister emphasized a comprehensive government approach to tackle power theft, a problem costing the country billions of rupees. Additionally, he outlined other priority areas for his administration, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises, institutional reforms, fostering both domestic and foreign investment, and implementing austerity measures.

Highlighting the media’s crucial role in promoting good governance and public awareness, Sharif encouraged the industry to focus on the benefits of economic stabilization efforts under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He also addressed the challenge of fake news and the importance of collaborative efforts to combat misinformation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to press freedom and soliciting the journalistic community’s support in advancing the country’s development and prosperity.

Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Gains Global Recognition


Islamabad, The World Federation for Medical Education recently acknowledged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM and DC), signifying a substantial advancement in Pakistan’s healthcare and medical education sectors. This endorsement was highlighted during a ceremony attended by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who spoke about the nation’s commitment to healthcare improvement and the need for equitable medical services.



According to Press Information Department, Minister Ahsan Iqbal lauded the collective efforts in enhancing the country’s medical education and healthcare systems. He presented data indicating positive shifts in health metrics, such as increased life expectancy and reduced infant mortality rates. Furthermore, the growth in healthcare facilities reflects ongoing improvements within the sector.



The ceremony served as a platform to discuss strategies for achieving a comprehensive health roadmap. This includes tackling disparities in healthcare access, broadening service reach, and advocating for universal healthcare goals. Iqbal emphasized the crucial role of medical professionals in these efforts and called for increased public health funding and improved conditions in healthcare facilities.



Drawing parallels with global practices, Iqbal recommended adopting strategies like preventative healthcare, telemedicine, drug price negotiations, and compulsory health insurance. He stressed on the transformative measures required to address the pressing challenges of rural healthcare access, health equity, and medical workforce shortages in Pakistan.



The minister’s speech concluded with a commendation of the PM and DC for its achievement in gaining international recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education, marking a pivotal step in Pakistan’s medical education and healthcare trajectory.

Prime Minister Commends Pakistan Navy for Protecting National Maritime Interests

Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the Pakistan Navy for its pivotal role in protecting the country’s maritime interests with commendable efficiency despite facing resource constraints. His appreciation came during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where he engaged in discussions on national security and operational readiness with senior naval officers.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was greeted by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and received a Guard of Honour from a naval contingent. He paid his respects at the Shuhada monument by laying a floral wreath and was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers of the Naval Headquarters.

The discussions focused on regional maritime security concerns and the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, particularly its successful efforts to thwart a recent terrorist attack on the Naval Airbase in Turbat. Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of a robust economy as foundational to overcoming the nation’s challenges.

Admiral Ashraf expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit and his trust in the Navy’s capabilities. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s maritime boundaries and interests with honor, highlighting ongoing efforts and future plans for modernization to enhance operational effectiveness.

A comprehensive briefing provided to the Prime Minister detailed the current maritime environment, challenges faced by the Navy, and strategies employed to address these issues. Special emphasis was placed on the necessity of enhancing the Navy’s capabilities to confront both present and future maritime threats. The briefing also touched on leveraging the economic potential of the maritime sector as a strategic advantage for the country.

Senate Elections Scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad

Islamabad, Polling for forty-eight vacant Senate seats is set to take place on Tuesday. The elections will fill positions across the federal capital and four provincial assemblies, marking a significant event in the nation’s legislative processes.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in the federal capital, National Assembly members are slated to elect senators for one general seat and one seat for technocrats, including Ulema. This process underlines the multifaceted representation sought within the Senate, aiming to include various segments of society and expertise.

Furthermore, the members of the four provincial assemblies will have the responsibility to elect senators for seven general seats, two seats for women, and two seats for technocrats, including Ulema, from their respective provinces. This allocation ensures a balanced representation from each province, reflecting the diverse demographic and professional landscape of the country.

Additionally, one senator for non-Muslims will be elected from both Punjab and Sindh provinces, highlighting the inclusive approach of the electoral process to accommodate religious minorities within the legislative framework.

The upcoming elections are a critical component of the democratic process, facilitating a renewed legislative assembly that represents the breadth of Pakistani society. As the nation awaits the outcomes, the elections are anticipated to bring forth a diverse array of legislators poised to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan.

Minister Calls for Enhanced Human Resource Development by SMEDA

Islamabad, Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has called on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to focus intensively on human resource development and the enhancement of women entrepreneurship, positioning these as crucial for the economic growth of Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a meeting in Islamabad today, Hussain underscored the importance of integrating women into the economic development framework, viewing it as essential for the broader progress of the country. He highlighted the pivotal role that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in bolstering the nation’s economy and declared their development a prime focus of the government.

The emphasis on human resource development and women entrepreneurship reflects a strategic approach to ensure a more inclusive and diversified economic base. By focusing on these areas, SMEDA is expected to contribute significantly to building a robust economic structure that leverages the full spectrum of the country’s workforce, including its often underrepresented female segment.

Hussain’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to not only advancing SMEs but also to fostering a more equitable economic landscape that supports diverse entrepreneurship and skill development. This initiative is seen as a step towards achieving sustainable economic growth and resilience.

Pakistan, CFFEX Explore New Avenues for Financial Market Strengthening

Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and You Hang, the Chief Representative of the China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX) in Pakistan and Director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, convened in Islamabad today to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation and fortifying Pakistan’s financial markets and investment climate.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting centered around the exploration of new opportunities to bolster the financial markets in Pakistan, with a focus on the introduction of innovative financial instruments through collaboration between CFFEX and PSX. Minister Aurangzeb stressed the government’s dedication to reform efforts aimed at refining the regulatory framework, increasing market transparency, and nurturing a robust financial sector within the country.

Furthermore, the significance of strategic alliances with global financial entities like CFFEX was underscored as vital for the advancement of Pakistan’s financial market infrastructure. You Hang conveyed CFFEX’s strong interest in partnering with PSX and other local stakeholders to introduce new financial products, exchange technical knowledge, and enhance China-Pakistan cross-border investment flows.

The discussion concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation, share insights, and devise concrete plans to elevate the performance and resilience of Pakistan’s financial markets.

Finance Minister, CFFEX Chief Representative discuss issues of Pakistan’s financial markets

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with You Hang, Chief Representative of China Financial Futures Exchange in Pakistan and Director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation and exploring new opportunities for strengthening Pakistan's financial markets and investment landscape. During the meeting, Finance Minister Aurangzeb and Chief Representative Hang engaged in detailed discussions on various aspects of financial market development, including the potential for collaboration between CFFEX and PSX to promote innovative financial instruments in Pakistan. The Finance Minister highlighted the government's commitment to implementing reforms aimed at improving the regulatory framework, enhancing market transparency, and facilitating the development of a vibrant and resilient financial sector in Pakistan. He also emphasized the role of strategic partnerships with international financial institutions and exchanges, such as CFFEX, in achieving these objectives and advancing the country's financial market infrastructure. You Hang expressed CFFEX's keen interest in collaborating with PSX and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for launching new financial products, sharing technical expertise, and promoting cross-border investment between China and Pakistan. He reaffirmed CFFEX's commitment to supporting the development of Pakistan's financial markets and contributing to the country's economic prosperity. The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to further explore potential areas of cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen Pakistan's financial markets.