Shehbaz Sharif Archives

Trump calls Shehbaz Sharif a ‘terrific man’ in UN speech

September 22, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a “terrific man” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, while again claiming credit for helping end the 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India.

Trump said Sharif had thanked him for his role in helping halt the fighting and credited him with saving 30 million lives. Trump has repeatedly made similar claims about his role in de-escalating the conflict.

“I saved 30 million lives,” Trump said, recounting what he described as Sharif’s comments following the cease-fire. He also praised Pakistan as a “great country” and described Sharif as a “terrific man.”

Trump said he had helped bring an end to eight conflicts and that leaders of the countries involved had thanked him for his efforts.

The U.S. president also discussed the conflict in Gaza, saying efforts to end the fighting had saved civilian lives and resulted in the release of hostages.

He said 30 countries had joined what he referred to as the Gaza Peace Board and thanked the U.N. Security Council for supporting the initiative.

Turning to the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said thousands of people were being killed each month and pledged to work toward resolving the conflict.

Trump’s remarks came as Sharif was in New York for the 81st U.N. General Assembly. The Pakistani prime minister is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 25, according to Pakistan’s government.

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reach record $21.4 Billion

September 18, 2026 by Business Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached a record $21.4 billion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, describing the development as a historic milestone toward economic stability.

Sharif expressed gratitude over the increase in the country’s reserves and said the stronger economic position would open new avenues for investment and sustainable economic growth.

He said the rise in foreign exchange reserves would enhance Pakistan’s ability to withstand global economic challenges and strengthen its capacity to meet external payment obligations.

The prime minister also praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the economic team and overseas Pakistanis for their contributions to strengthening the country’s foreign exchange position.

PM’s fuel relief package gets ECC approval

September 14, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee on Monday approved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s fuel relief package, providing weekly assistance of 500 rupees to motorcycle and rickshaw users and 1,000 rupees every 10 days to owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc.

The ECC, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a technical supplementary grant of 75 billion rupees for the fuel relief scheme, according to an official statement.

The scheme will be limited to non-commercial users, with each individual or vehicle owner eligible to receive relief for only one vehicle.

The committee also approved the introduction of a digital Fuel Pass system to ensure transparent distribution of the subsidy. The Ministry of Information Technology will develop and manage the system.

The ECC also approved a framework for restructuring the ownership and administrative control of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. It endorsed recommendations submitted by a committee headed by the minister responsible for privatization.

The committee approved a draft upgrade agreement for existing oil refineries, setting a five-year deadline for completion of refinery modernization projects.

The ECC deferred consideration of the commercial import of used vehicles.

It also approved the export of an additional 200,000 metric tons of sugar, subject to safeguards aimed at maintaining price stability in the domestic market.

The committee further approved 3 billion rupees for the purchase of 15 bulletproof vehicles for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

PM approves new auto policy 2026-31 in principle

September 9, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given in-principle approval to Pakistan’s new Auto Policy 2026-31, which will be shared with the International Monetary Fund before being submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee for approval, according to government sources.

The draft policy was discussed at a meeting chaired by Sharif. After IMF approval, the policy will be presented to the ECC and then the federal Cabinet. Following Cabinet approval, it will be submitted to Parliament.

The policy aims to create a favorable environment for investment in the local automotive industry, increase vehicle exports and domestic production, and promote advanced technologies.

Under the draft, the government has proposed reducing taxes on imported hybrid vehicles by 20% over the next five years. Import duties on hybrid vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc and between 851cc and 1,000cc could be reduced from 50% to 30%.

The draft also proposes gradually reducing duties on hybrid vehicles with engine capacities above 1,800cc. Duties on vehicles above 1,801cc could fall from 50% to 30% over five years, while duties on hybrid vehicles between 1,501cc and 1,800cc are also proposed to be reduced from 50% to 30%.

The government is also considering lower duties on hybrid commercial vehicles. Proposed reductions include cutting duties on hybrid trucks from 30% to 15%, hybrid commercial vehicles from 60% to 30% and hybrid buses from 30% to 15%.

To generate additional revenue, the draft proposes an environmental levy on larger vehicles. The revenue would be allocated toward promoting exports and research and development in the automotive sector.

Under the proposal, vehicles with engine capacities of 2,001cc to 3,000cc would face a 10% environmental levy, while vehicles of 3,001cc and above could be subject to a 19.5% levy. The proposed levy is estimated to generate Rs142.79 billion over five years.

Implementation of the new auto policy will begin after approval by the IMF, the ECC and the federal Cabinet.

Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

September 8, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the kingdom’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Yemen’s Houthi group, Ansar Allah, carried out attacks on the Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan, targeting civilian and economic facilities. The attacks injured 73 people, including women and children, according to officials.

Sharif said such attacks not only threaten innocent lives but also undermine peace and security in the region.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and expressed solidarity with Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.

The prime minister also expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attacks.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the Houthi attacks were a clear violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and posed a threat to peace and stability across the region.

The Foreign Office said Saudi Arabia has the right to take all necessary measures to protect its national assets and defend its territory, citizens and residents against any threats.

Pakistan said it fully supports Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defense in accordance with the U.N. Charter and international law. It also expressed solidarity with the Saudi leadership, government and people.

The Foreign Office said the Houthi attacks were undermining efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

Pakistan reiterated that it would continue working to promote lasting peace and stability in the region and expressed its support for those injured in the attacks.

Pakistan has strongly condemned attacks by Houthi militants against Saudi Arabia, saying strikes targeting civilian and economic sites on Saudi territory constitute a clear violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense under the U.N. Charter and international law, the spokesperson said.

Government, Jamaat-e-Islami to hold talks on Sept 7

September 4, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

LAHORE: The federal government and Jamaat-e-Islami will hold talks on Sept. 7 on issues including the petroleum levy and measures to provide relief to the public, the party said Friday.

Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the party’s negotiating committees will meet in Islamabad on Monday to discuss ways to address issues faced by the public.

Baloch said Inayatullah Khan, Farasat Ali Shah, Ziauddin Ansari, Nasrullah Randhawa and Naveed Ali Baig will represent Jamaat-e-Islami in the talks.

He said the government’s seriousness and the pace of negotiations would be crucial to resolving the issues. Baloch added that it would now depend on the government how seriously it approaches the talks and how quickly it moves toward a solution.

Baloch said Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-ins, protests and public gatherings would continue across the country. He said the demonstrations were aimed at highlighting and resolving problems faced by the public.

He added that the party would seek relief for citizens and solutions to their problems through negotiations with the government.

PM Shehbaz proposes grand dialogue to resolve Balochistan’s issues

August 21, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed a grand dialogue to address the issues facing Balochistan, saying dialogue, consultation and fair distribution of resources are essential for resolving the province’s challenges.

Addressing participants of the Balochistan National Workshop, Sharif said the purpose of dialogue was to listen to the concerns of the Baloch people and find solutions through mutual consultation.

He said the people of Balochistan had the first right to the province’s resources and stressed that Pakistan could progress only when all four provinces moved forward together.

“If there are problems and challenges, they should be resolved through dialogue,” the prime minister said, adding that consultation and equitable distribution of resources were the best ways to address grievances.

Sharif said no one could take up arms in the name of resolving problems. He alleged that hostile countries were behind terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister also spoke about the construction of the N-25 highway from Karachi to Chaman, saying the government was working on the project in cooperation with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He expressed concern over attacks on workers involved in development projects.

He said workers operating in mountainous areas were contributing to Balochistan’s prosperity and should be protected.

Referring to the recent conflict, Sharif said the entire nation had remained united. He also described the Gwadar airport as a gift from China to Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz highlights role of cybersecurity in national defense

July 22, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces used autonomous systems and cybersecurity capabilities to defend the country’s borders during “Marka-e-Haq,” underscoring the growing role of advanced technology in national security.

Addressing the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo in Islamabad, Sharif said the exhibition reflected Pakistan’s ambition to become a leader in emerging technologies in the 21st century.

The prime minister said the use of technology in the security sector was a source of national pride, adding that Pakistan had made significant progress in advanced technologies, including achieving more than 60% indigenous production of drones.

Sharif credited the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for effectively integrating modern technology during “Marka-e-Haq.” He also praised the contributions of the chief of air staff and chief of naval staff.

He said Pakistan would continue to invest in advanced technologies, including autonomous systems and cybersecurity, to strengthen its defense capabilities and safeguard national sovereignty.

PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s role in regional peace

July 17, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

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 condemns missile attack on Saudi Arabia

July 14, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia, warning that the escalation could further undermine peace and stability in the region.

In a statement, Sharif said Pakistan “strongly condemns the blatant attacks” carried out against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing them as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He warned that such actions risk further destabilizing the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s security.

“Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this difficult time,” the prime minister said, adding that Islamabad would continue to support sincere efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, stability, security and dialogue.

The statement came after Yemen’s Houthi movement launched missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, in a sharp escalation of regional tensions. Saudi air defenses intercepted the projectiles, and no casualties were immediately reported