Tag: Prime Minister

  • Anwaar ul Haq Kakar sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan

    Anwaar ul Haq Kakar sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has officially assumed office as the eighth caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President House, where President Arif Alvi administered the oath to Kakar.

    The event was attended by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former cabinet members, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, caretaker Chief Ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other high-ranking officials from different sectors of the government.

    Following the oath-taking, the caretaker PM Kakar was given a guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House, symbolizing his official responsibility as the interim leader.

    His initial responsibility is to announce his cabinet so that the electoral process is conducted smoothly.

    Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker Prime Minister was unveiled on Saturday, following deliberations between Shehbaz Sharif and former opposition leader Raja Riaz. After several days of speculation, Kakar was officially designated for the role.

    Kakar took to X (former Twitter) to announce his resignation from Senate along with giving up membership of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)

  • ‘I am giving laptops, not Kalashnikovs to youth’: PM addresses distribution ceremony

    ‘I am giving laptops, not Kalashnikovs to youth’: PM addresses distribution ceremony

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif relaunched the programme for distribution of laptops among outstanding students on Friday.

    During his address at the distribution ceremony amongst the students of various universities in Islamabad , the Prime Minister reminisced about his tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab and highlighted his efforts for the youth of the province. Addressing the youth directly, the Prime Minister said that the future of the country relies on them.

    While talking about the laptop scheme, the PM said, “I am giving laptops, not Kalashnikovs to youth”.

    He further added that while some may view these laptops as machines, for him, they represent a mission.

    Referring to the steps being taken for uplift, he said five billion rupees have been allocated in the budget for provision of agriculture loans to the youth. He said five billion rupees have also been earmarked to provide vocational training to them.

  • Jahangir Tareen will be PM if IPP wins upcoming election: Aleem Khan

    Jahangir Tareen will be PM if IPP wins upcoming election: Aleem Khan

    During an appearance on Express News programme Kal Tak, Aleem Khan, the president of newly established Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) Party, has said that Jahangir Tareen would be their candidate for premiership in the next general election.

    “[We] will contest against PTI and PDM in the next election because people are against both these parties. IPP will not make seat adjustments with any party in the polls,” he revealed.

    Aleem also confirmed that he invited Asad Umar to join the party, adding that many lawmakers will join IPP after Eid.

    At present, IPP comprises of more than 100 former legislators and leaders of PTI.

    Tareen himself was once considered one of the key figures in PTI, largely credited for getting independent candidates to join the party in 2018, paving the way for the formation of a coalition government.

  • ‘International community should deliver on commitments’: PM asks world to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund

    ‘International community should deliver on commitments’: PM asks world to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that as part of his interactions during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, he drew world leaders’ attention to the exogenous shocks that created polycrisis for developing countries like Pakistan.

    In a statement issued by the Premier, it is mentioned that shocks from floods badly affected stalling growth. “Supply chain disruption became the reason for back-breaking inflation, and Pakistan faced a $30 billion loss due to an unprecedented flood,” it read.

    The PM also mentioned that it’s essential for the international community to deliver on the commitments they made at COP 27 in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, adding that the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund should be based on the principle of equity.

    “The world should also use the present economic and climate turbulence as an opportunity for course correction,” the PM stated.

    He has also said, “The starting point could be rethinking the global financial architecture where International Financial Institutions (IFIs) design their programmes to be pro-growth and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate justice goals.”

  • Najam Sethi withdraws from chairmanship of PCB

    Najam Sethi withdraws from chairmanship of PCB

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi announced on Monday night via his Twitter account that he was withdrawing from the race for the board’s chairmanship as he did not wish to be a “source of contention” between the political partners in the coalition government.

    Referring to the atmosphere of uncertainty and instability as unsuitable for the board, he stated that he was going to step aside from the race for the PCB’s chairmanship. “I don’t wish to be a source of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

    “Such instability and uncertainty are not conducive to the PCB. Given the circumstances, I am not a candidate for the Chairmanship of the PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.”

    Sethi expressed similar sentiments a few days ago, emphasising his reluctance to be involved in the controversy.

    “I have heard speculation surrounding the PCB chairmanship. I do not involve myself in this matter as it depends on the patron,” he said while speaking to media in Lahore on Friday. He also mentioned that he would accept any decision made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the PCB’s patron.

    “Our responsibility was to restore the 2014 constitution. At this point, we are prepared for elections with regional and departmental representatives on board. We are awaiting two nominees, after which I will announce the election.

    “If you ask me, I do not want a mess. If the patron and Zardari sahab want me to continue, I will be okay with it. If they want Zaka sahab to become the chairman, I would welcome their decision and step down,” he added.

    The appointment of the PCB chairman has become a point of contention between the ruling coalition government’s two main political partners.

    The Pakistan People Party (PPP) desires the return of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to the post, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wishes for Sethi to continue his role at the PCB.

    The PPP’s stance on the matter is that since its minister heads the Inter-Provincial Coordination Division and the PCB is related to the ministry, its chairman should be appointed by the party.

  • Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    The National Economic Council has decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the participation of the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Punjab, and KP.

    The Balochistan Minister of Planning also participated in the meeting. During the meeting, it was decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    In a press conference held after the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that the decision to close shops at 8 pm was made to save energy.

    He further mentioned that commercial areas will be closed at eight o’clock, green energy will be promoted, and LED bulbs will be installed.

  • Petrol price expected to decrease by Rs10 per litre for the next fortnight

    Petrol price expected to decrease by Rs10 per litre for the next fortnight

    The prices of petroleum products are expected to decrease starting from May 16, as the coalition government intends to provide some relief to the distressed public amidst the severe economic crisis and record inflation.

    According to reports in local media, petrol price will see a reduction of Rs10 per litre for the rest of May.

    It has been reported that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended a decrease in the prices of petroleum products. Based on these reports, the price of petrol may be reduced by Rs10 per litre, while the price of diesel is anticipated to decrease by Rs8 per litre.

    OGRA has submitted a summary to the government, and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials will seek the input of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the recommendations. The final decision will be announced today.

    The revised prices of petroleum products for the upcoming two weeks will be implemented after midnight on May 15.

    Earlier this month, the federal government announced a reduction of Rs5 per litre in the price of diesel, while the price of petrol remained unchanged. Presently, petrol is being sold at Rs282, HSD at Rs288, kerosene oil at Rs176.07, and light diesel oil at Rs164.68 per litre.

  • PM Shehbaz Sharif smoothly wins vote of confidence

    PM Shehbaz Sharif smoothly wins vote of confidence

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has managed to secure a vote of confidence from the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday.

    A total of 180 lawmakers reposed confidence in the prime minister. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented a resolution in the House for the prime minister to seek a vote of confidence.

    The counting of vote of confidence lasted less than 10 mins.

    After IK, PM Shehbaz to seek vote of confidence today

    Earlier, PM decided to take a vote of confidence from the NA.

    According to several media reports, the premier consulted with allies on the matter and they advised him to take a vote of confidence.

    They also affirmed their confidence in him and assured him that he can always take a vote of confidence from the House.

    Reportedly, this development is to send a message to dispell the image that the Prime Minister is weak or that the parliament is not with PM Shehbaz.

    However, reports from earlier in the week that a vote of confidence would take place were rubbished by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    PM Shehbaz isn’t seeking vote of confidence, clarifies minister

    In a tweet, she said, “The prime minister did not decide to take a vote of confidence. There were no such consultations and there is no need for the vote of confidence.”

    The minister termed Shehbaz as the “unanimous” candidate of the people, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition parties. 

    She also asked the media not to run such news stories “without verification”.

    The last time a PM took a vote of confidence was in April 2022 when Imran Khan was ousted from power, becoming the first premier to be removed from government in such a manner.

  • Govt announces relief for employees with early salary and pension release ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

    Govt announces relief for employees with early salary and pension release ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

    To ease the burden of inflation on the public, the federal government has decided to release salaries to employees of public sector departments before Eid-ul-Fitr. This decision was made after consultations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

    Pakistan is currently facing historic levels of inflation which resulted in many individuals being unable to afford basic necessities. In addition, the country is struggling to secure external financing, with the threat of default looming over it.

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has confirmed that the government will also be releasing monthly pensions before the festival. As a result of this decision, Finance Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh has been directed to make the necessary arrangements.

    In a similar move, the Government of Sindh had previously announced the early release of salaries for Muslim government employees ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a notification from the finance department, full pay and allowances will be paid in advance to all Muslim employees and pensioners of the Provincial Government of Sindh, including work-charged and contingent paid establishment.

    The salaries and pensions will be released on April 17, instead of May 2, as Eid is expected to fall on either April 21 or April 22, according to Geo.

  • Kya Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Khan ko aglay jummay iftari pe bula rahay hain?

    An important figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Barrister Zafarullah Khan, has suggested to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif that he invite bitter rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for Iftar next Friday.

    Speaking on Geo News programme, ‘Capital Talk’, Zafarullah said that Imran Khan should go and meet the prime minister. “If he [Imran Khan] turns up, well and good. If not, then it should be bye-bye.”

    Journalist Hamid Mir said that he has information that backdoor efforts are being made to establish contacts between the government and PTI. However, Mir said that according to what he knows Shahbaz and Khan are not ready to sit together.

    Meanwhile, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Abid Zuberi said that if the prime minister calls, Khan must go to Iftar.

    Speaking in the same program, the Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hina Jilani said that if Khan really wants dialogue, he should go to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.