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PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s role in regional peace

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan played an important role in promoting regional peace during the recent crisis, while highlighting growing economic cooperation with China at the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical & Healthcare B2B Investment Conference.

Addressing the conference in Islamabad, Sharif said the recent regional tensions had affected not only neighboring countries but also the wider international community.

He said Pakistan had acted as a facilitator in efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, and praised the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to the reconciliation process.

Sharif also described China as Pakistan’s most reliable and sincere partner, reaffirming that the safety and security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan remains the government’s top priority.

 He welcomed healthcare-sector agreements worth more than $440 million, saying the investments represent another significant step in advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said Pakistan’s economy is improving under Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for regional peace and stability. He added that Pakistan offers significant opportunities for investment in the healthcare sector.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the investment conference reflects the prime minister’s vision for expanding economic cooperation, while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar said Sharif’s recent visit to China had opened new avenues for investment, technology transfer and industrial collaboration.

PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on artificial fuel shortages

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to take strict action against those creating artificial shortages of petroleum products, as the government reviewed the potential economic impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Sharif warned that continued instability in the region could adversely affect Pakistan’s economic outlook and instructed all relevant institutions to remain fully prepared for any emerging challenges. He called for a comprehensive contingency plan to enable timely government action if needed.

The prime minister said the government had effectively managed the country’s fuel supply, adding that subsidies had helped protect consumers, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transport operators, from the impact of higher fuel prices. He urged the public to continue supporting nationwide austerity and energy conservation efforts.

Sharif also ordered federal and provincial authorities to jointly launch a strict crackdown on individuals or businesses responsible for creating artificial shortages of petroleum products in the market.

During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand and that measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in the coming months. The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and other top government officials.

PM Shehbaz accuses eastern neighbor of backing terrorism in Pakistan

PM Shehbaz

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is involved in terrorism inside the country, vowing that the government and military would jointly eliminate the militant threat.

Chairing a provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Quetta, the prime minister said recent terrorist attacks had claimed the lives of police personnel, members of the armed forces and civilians.

The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the governor and chief minister of Balochistan, as well as federal ministers.

Sharif said security forces had killed 54 militants in recent operations, adding that the campaign would continue until the last militant was eliminated and that the state would thwart their objectives.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, saying the entire nation stands behind its military.

The prime minister alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor was playing a significant role in fueling terrorism by providing militants with weapons, financial support and other assistance. He also claimed that militants were using Afghan territory to launch attacks in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Sharif said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained united and fully committed to eradicating terrorism, pledging to employ all available resources to eliminate the militant threat.

PM Shehbaz likely to Join US–Iran technical talks in Switzerland

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to travel to Zurich and may participate in upcoming US–Iran technical-level talks being held in Switzerland under a Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by Islamabad, according to diplomatic sources.

Sources said the prime minister could depart for Zurich tonight as preparations for the high-level diplomatic engagement continue.

Senior US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are already present in Switzerland, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is also expected to arrive.

On the Iranian side, a delegation led by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and members of Iran’s national security and economic leadership, has already left for the talks.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the technical-level discussions will take place on June 21 in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The talks are part of follow-up implementation efforts after the agreement signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan, the United States, Iran, and Qatar all expected to participate.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan will continue to facilitate the dialogue process as a mediator, aiming to advance the commitments made under the agreement and support regional diplomatic stability.

PM Shehbaz, Iranian President hold first call after peace accord

PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation following the signing of the Islamabad Peace Agreement, marking their first contact after the accord, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The conversation lasted more than 30 minutes, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated President Pezeshkian, Iran’s leadership, and its people on the historic agreement.

He said the accord would contribute not only to regional peace but also to Iran’s reconstruction and help further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran across all areas of mutual interest.

Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his respect and best wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, and praised Tehran’s decision to sign the agreement, expressing hope for success in the next phase of negotiations.

The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan, as a brotherly and neighboring country, would continue to fully support Iran in all fields.

According to the statement, President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying both played a key role in the mediation process with skill, sincerity, and wisdom.

He said Iran deeply values Pakistan’s role in the peace initiative and will always remember its constructive support during difficult times. Pezeshkian also extended good wishes to the people of Pakistan and expressed Iran’s desire to further expand bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders agreed to maintain regular contact and to undertake reciprocal visits to each other’s capitals at a mutually convenient time.

PM Shehbaz says budget brings relief as economic stability achieved

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan has achieved economic stability with the grace of Allah and the prayers of the nation, adding that this stability has enabled the government to provide relief to the public in the federal budget.

In a statement after the budget session, the prime minister thanked citizens for their patience and resilience during challenging economic conditions, saying they played a key role in supporting national recovery.

He said the government had promised that once economic stability was achieved, its benefits would be passed on directly to the people. “Alhamdulillah, the era of prosperity has now begun,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif described the budget as one of relief and public welfare, adding that it reduces the burden on the salaried class and promotes exports, agriculture, industrial growth, investment, and overall economic development.

He said the main objective of the budget was to ensure that the benefits of economic stability reach ordinary citizens directly.

PM Shehbaz congratulates PPP on emerging as leading party in GB elections

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD -Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for emerging as the leading political party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

The prime minister also extended congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying voters had actively participated in the democratic process.

“Shehbaz Sharif said the PPP has emerged as the majority party in Gilgit-Baltistan and deserves congratulations,” the statement said, adding that he also congratulated PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He further congratulated successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), noting that the party’s candidates “put up a strong contest” and praised the party’s campaign efforts.

The prime minister said the active participation of voters reflected the strength of democracy, adding that peaceful political activity was a positive sign for the region.

He also lauded the Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting “transparent and impartial” elections, and praised law enforcement agencies for maintaining order during the polling process.

Unofficial and partial results from the election continue to be announced, with the PPP currently leading with nine seats, according to available tallies.

PM Shehbaz announces reduction of Rs22 in petrol, diesel prices each

PM Shehbaz

LAHORE: The federal government on Friday decided to reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs 22 per litre each.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that providing relief to the public was among his top priorities. The premier had promised the nation that relief would be provided to the public as soon as there was a room to do so.

 That promise had now been fulfilled exactly as stated and served as a gift to the public on the third day of Eid-ul-Azha.

It is pertinent to mention that last week, relief was also provided to the public through reductions in petrol and diesel prices.

 Even under the most difficult circumstances, the federal government continued providing relief to the people and offered fuel subsidies for public and goods transport, as well as for motorcycle and rickshaw users.

At a time when people in other countries in the region were standing in queues to obtain petrol, timely measures taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ensured that petrol and diesel remained available to the public in Pakistan.

During the worst global oil crisis, despite rising international oil prices, the PM prevented increases in domestic fuel prices by providing subsidies of over Rs 130, thereby continuing to deliver relief to the public.

PM Shehbaz extends Eid al-Azha greetings, urges unity and sacrifice

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of Eid al-Azha extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world, calling on the nation to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, compassion and unity.

In his message marking 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to May 27, 2026, the prime minister said Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of the devotion and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Prophet Ismail in submitting to the command of Allah.

He said the sacred tradition teaches Muslims to sacrifice personal desires and interests for higher and noble causes, describing such sacrifice as the true essence of faith and loyalty.

Sharif said the spirit of sacrifice encourages people to rise above selfishness and adopt values of empathy, selflessness and social responsibility toward humanity.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the country’s martyrs who lost their lives defending the nation and in incidents of terrorism, calling their sacrifices a source of national pride.

He urged citizens to remember underprivileged and deserving people during Eid celebrations and to ensure they are included in the festivities.

Sharif said unity, sacrifice and collective harmony are essential for lasting national solidarity and sustainable progress.

He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir, saying the nation stands with oppressed Muslims in both regions.

The prime minister prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity across the world and asked Allah to accept the sacrifices and worships of Muslims.

PM Shehbaz forms committee to review Rs72b oil sector windfall gains

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-powered committee headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to review the country’s cross-subsidy framework and examine the recovery of an alleged 72 billion rupees in windfall profits earned by oil marketing companies.

The committee, formed ahead of the upcoming federal budget, will also evaluate broader fiscal and economic priorities, including expenditure rationalization, development spending allocation, energy sector reforms and the implementation of rightsizing measures across ministries and divisions.

Officials said the panel will be responsible for reviewing key financial planning areas for the next budget cycle, particularly efforts aimed at improving efficiency in public spending and reducing the fiscal deficit.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will chair the committee, while the ministers for economic affairs, planning and law will serve as members.

Former bureaucrat Musharraf Rasool has been appointed as chief technical adviser, while the additional secretary for budget will also be part of the committee.

The panel is expected to submit its recommendations to the prime minister after completing a comprehensive review of economic and administrative reforms.

Meanwhile, government is preparing to recover an estimated 72 billion rupees in windfall profits from oil marketing companies (OMCs) in the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, according to official sources.

Finance Ministry sources said a windfall gain tax could be imposed on OMCs after companies earned extraordinary profits on petroleum products during recent regional tensions.

Officials said the recovered amount may be used to provide petroleum subsidies, reduce electricity tariffs and help narrow the fiscal deficit.

Sources added that the government is examining legal and financial mechanisms to reclaim the extraordinary profits earned by the oil marketing sector.