Prime Minister Archives

Petrol, diesel price hike expected as government reviews summary

March 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The government is expected to announce new petroleum product prices today, with a significant increase under consideration.

According to sources, a summary has been sent to the federal government proposing an increase of Rs29 per litre in petrol and Rs49 per litre in diesel prices. The final decision will be taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Sources said the government had previously absorbed a financial burden of Rs23 billion for one week, maintaining petrol and diesel prices from March 14 to 20. This relief was provided under price differential claims.

On March 14, the government had withheld a proposed increase of Rs49.63 per litre in petrol and Rs75.05 per litre in diesel.

However, sources indicate that prices may again be kept unchanged for the coming week, as the government is considering continuing the price differential claim mechanism to shield consumers.

Currently, taxes account for Rs121.77 per litre of petrol, making up around 38% of its price. Diesel includes Rs73.42 per litre in taxes, approximately 22% of its total price. These prices also include customs duties, petroleum levy, and climate support levy.

PM Shehbaz pledges unwavering support to Saudi Arabia

March 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

Jeddah: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East, reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia during challenging times.

The high-level meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that Islamabad stands firmly with Riyadh in difficult circumstances.

The two leaders held detailed talks on the latest developments in the region and exchanged views on the evolving security and political situation in the Middle East.

Both sides also agreed to continue working closely to promote peace, stability, and cooperation across the region.

Speaking during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan has always stood shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia and will continue its efforts to achieve the shared objective of peace and stability in the region.

PM cuts office days, halts overseas trips for officials

March 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditures amid the country’s challenging economic conditions, including a 50% reduction in fuel for official vehicles for two months.

Speaking in Islamabad, the prime minister warned that petroleum prices may rise further in the coming days, prompting the government to implement strict cost-cutting steps across public institutions.

Under the new measures, fuel allocation for government vehicles will be reduced by half for two months, while 60% of vehicles used by all government departments will remain off the roads during the same period.

The prime minister also announced that federal cabinet members will not receive their salaries for two months, while members of parliament will face a 25% salary reduction.

In addition, senior officers in Grade 20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 per month will have two days’ salary deducted. Government departments have also been directed to cut non-salary expenditures by 20%.

The government has imposed a ban on foreign visits by federal and provincial ministers and officials, allowing travel only in cases of urgent national interest. Authorities have been instructed to prioritise teleconferencing and online meetings instead.

Furthermore, the prime minister announced a complete ban on official dinners and iftar gatherings, while seminars and conferences will now be held in government buildings instead of hotels.

According to the new policy, 50% of staff in both public and private institutions will work from home, and government offices will operate four days a week. However, the additional weekly holiday will not apply to banks.

The prime minister also declared two weeks of holidays for public educational institutions starting next week as part of the broader measures.

PM briefed on current Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions during GHQ visit

February 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited General Headquarters (GHQ) and met with military leadership, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defense Forces.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister received a detailed briefing on the current Pakistan-Afghanistan border situation. He emphasized adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward collusion between Fitna‑al‑Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime, calling their hostile actions unacceptable.

PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defense Forces, the Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to protect the country and is well-equipped to defend against any aggression.

He commended the armed forces for repelling attacks in Afghan border areas and praised their professional capabilities in carrying out effective countermeasures.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s brave armed forces, recognizing their role in safeguarding the homeland and defending the country from cross-border threats.

Sustainable peace impossible without independent Palestine, says PM

February 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that achieving sustainable peace in Gaza is Pakistan’s mission, emphasizing that the establishment of a free and sovereign Palestinian state is essential for lasting stability in the region.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Gaza Peace Board, chaired by US President Donald Trump in Washington, the Prime Minister termed his participation in the meeting an honor and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

“Sustainable peace in Gaza is our mission. We pray for success in achieving lasting peace. Today marks a golden chapter in history for peace in the Middle East,” the Prime Minister stated.

PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Palestinians must be granted their rights in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, underscoring that an independent and sovereign Palestinian state is their legitimate right.

He further stated that ceasefire violations in Gaza must come to an end to pave the way for durable peace and long-term regional stability.

The Prime Minister also appreciated President Donald Trump’s role in conflict resolution, noting that his timely intervention helped prevent escalation during tensions between Pakistan and India.

“President Trump’s intervention prevented a major catastrophe in South Asia. The ceasefire saved thousands of precious lives,” he remarked.

The Gaza Peace Board meeting aims to discuss post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, and mechanisms to ensure sustainable peace in the region.

PM orders review of newly issued solar regulations by NEPRA

February 11, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken immediate notice of the new solar regulations recently issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and convened a high-level meeting to review the matter.

The special session, chaired by the prime minister, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Ata Tarar, Awais Leghari, Pervez Malik, Bilal Kayani, Muhammad Ali, Ahad Cheema and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the prime minister directed the Power Division to file a review appeal with NEPRA to ensure full protection of contracts signed with existing solar consumers. He emphasized that the rights of current solar users must be safeguarded under all circumstances.

Shehbaz Sharif further stated that the financial burden of 466,000 solar consumers should not be shifted onto 37.6 million national grid electricity users. He instructed the Power Division to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.

What Are the New Solar Regulations?

Under the revised regulations, NEPRA has reduced the rates at which electricity generated through solar systems can be sold to the national grid.

Existing solar consumers will continue to sell electricity to the grid at the previous rate of Rs25.32 per unit.

New solar consumers, however, will face a significant reduction of Rs17.19 per unit in the buyback rate. They will now receive Rs8.13 per unit — more than three times lower than the previous rate.

Additionally, a new net billing mechanism has been introduced for both new and existing consumers. Under this system, exported units will no longer be adjusted on a one-to-one basis against imported units. Instead, electricity drawn from the national grid will be charged according to the applicable government tariff and slab rates.

Furthermore, the license period for new net metering consumers has been reduced from seven years to five years.

The development has sparked debate over the future of rooftop solar adoption in Pakistan, as stakeholders assess the financial implications of the revised framework.

PM Shahbaz orders high-loss electricity feeders to shift to solar energy

January 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed that high-loss electricity feeders be transitioned to solar energy, aiming to reduce losses and ensure a reliable power supply.

During a review meeting on ongoing reforms in the energy sector, the Prime Minister emphasized that feeders with higher losses should be converted to solar power with the support of provincial governments. He noted that this initiative would decrease financial losses and provide continuous electricity to affected areas.

The Prime Minister also instructed that pilot projects be launched immediately in high-loss feeders under PESCO and K-Electric (KESCO).

In addition, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has instructed all relevant authorities to prepare a more effective and beneficial Ramadan package, surpassing last year’s efforts.

During a review meeting on third-party validation of the proposed federal government Ramadan package and last year’s package, PM Shahbaz Sharif praised the report issued by an independent audit agency for confirming the transparency of last year’s initiative.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the government had established a transparent system to provide essential food items at subsidized rates to low-income citizens through the Ramadan package.

He noted that the decades-old utility stores system, which had been prone to financial irregularities, mismanagement, and exploitation of the poor, had been replaced with a fully transparent mechanism under the federal government.

PM Shehbaz blames neighboring countries for threats to Pakistan’s security

January 8, 2026 by Newsdesk

Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the war against terrorism is still ongoing and will continue until its complete eradication, stressing that extremist elements are receiving support from neighboring countries.

Addressing a meeting in Quetta, the prime minister stated that the federal government remains fully committed to working with the Balochistan government to ensure the province’s development, stability, and public welfare.

Reiterating his resolve, PM Shehbaz said all available resources would be utilized to address Balochistan’s challenges, complete development projects, and provide relief to the people. He emphasized that peace and prosperity in Balochistan are vital for the overall progress of Pakistan.

The prime minister praised the Balochistan government for its efforts to promote development, improve law and order, strengthen political harmony, and effectively resolve public complaints registered through the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell.

He noted that terrorism has created difficulties in Balochistan similar to those faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the government will not rest until terrorism is eliminated. Referring to recent security operations, he said the enemy had been taught a lesson in the “Battle for Truth” that would not be forgotten.

Earlier, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan briefed the prime minister on reforms undertaken across various sectors, progress on development projects, and key initiatives in education, healthcare, governance, and public service delivery.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta earlier today on a one-day official visit.

PM Shehbaz directs strategy to boost agricultural exports

January 7, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase agricultural exports and reduce the country’s trade deficit.

The Prime Minister chaired a review meeting on enhancing Pakistan’s exports, during which the government’s strategy to promote exports was briefed.

The meeting presented trade data for July to December 2025 and highlighted efforts to boost exports in high-value sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and processed food.

Officials also informed the Prime Minister that work is underway to integrate Pakistan into global value chains and improve the country’s ports and logistics systems to facilitate exporters.

The Prime Minister noted that government-to-government agreements are being discussed with several countries to enhance rice exports.

PM warns of new terror threat from Afghanistan at Global Peace Forum

December 12, 2025 by Newsdesk

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted a rising terrorism threat originating from Afghanistan, urging the international community to press the Afghan government to fulfill its responsibilities.

Speaking at a Global Peace Forum in Ashgabat, he welcomed the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace.

PM Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s active role in promoting global peace, noting that conflict resolution through dialogue remains the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.

He cited Pakistan’s support in securing the Gaza peace initiative, expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, UAE, Jordan, and Iran for cooperating on ceasefire efforts. The UN Security Council Resolution 2788 aligns with Pakistan’s vision for long-term peace and humanitarian aid in the Middle East.

He stressed that sustainable peace and sustainable development are inseparable, calling for equitable access to advanced technologies, financial inclusion, and empowering women economically.

Addressing global challenges, PM Sharif described Pakistan’s clean and green development model as a global example while highlighting climate change and inequality as major hurdles for developing nations.

He urged the forum to translate discussions into practical actions, advocating collective cooperation over a zero-sum mindset, and emphasizing the need to build bridges connecting trade, people, and ideas