Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, declaring that Pakistan will deliver a decisive blow to its enemies.
“Our fight to eliminate terrorism is ongoing, and we will ensure terrorists never again dare to threaten Pakistan,” he said while chairing a high-level meeting on national security and law and order.
He praised the joint efforts of all provinces and national institutions in tackling terrorism and pledged full federal support to enhance the counter-terrorism capabilities of all regions. The prime minister urged all stakeholders to unite beyond political divides in this fight and commended security personnel for their courage and sacrifices.
Shehbaz directed institutions to step up crackdowns on smuggling and human trafficking, stressing the need to bring offenders to justice. He also ordered the swift completion of Safe City projects across major cities and lauded federal-provincial collaboration in building a strong counter-terrorism narrative.
Intelligence & Security Infrastructure Expands
Officials briefed the PM on several ongoing initiatives:
- A national-provincial threat assessment and intelligence fusion center has been set up under NACTA.
- Safe City projects are operational in 10 cities in Punjab and are being implemented in major cities in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.
- The project has been approved for Peshawar and will extend to Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat.
- A Safe City project for Gwadar is nearing completion and will be expanded along National Highways N-25 and N-40.
- Digital enforcement stations are being established on key roads and bridges to curb smuggling.
- Authorities are actively removing illegal constructions around urban centers and cracking down on begging mafias — even restricting their international travel.
- Forensic science agencies are also being developed, with Islamabad already hosting one, and Punjab’s facility undergoing further upgrades.
PM Applauds Rs15 Billion Relief Package for Wheat Farmers
In a separate development, PM Shehbaz Sharif commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for launching a Rs15 billion Wheat Support Fund aimed at helping around 550,000 wheat farmers.
He welcomed the relief measures, which include the waiver of Abiana (irrigation water fees) and fixed taxes, calling them timely and essential for farmers’ welfare.
The initiative also provides four months of free wheat storage to shield farmers from market fluctuations and climate-related losses.
The prime minister assured federal backing for wheat exports and emphasized the government’s dedication to farmer prosperity.
“Pakistan’s progress is tied to the wellbeing of its farmers,” Shehbaz said, adding that the PML-N is committed to ensuring fair compensation for their hard work. He praised the Punjab government’s proactive approach and congratulated Maryam Nawaz and her team for the package.
‘Towards a Debt-Free Pakistan’: PM Pushes for Revenue Reforms at FBR
Speaking at the launch of a new performance management system for FBR officers in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz called on the Federal Board of Revenue to work with full dedication to help Pakistan become economically self-reliant.
“If we want to move beyond the IMF, we must boost our revenue generation,” he said.
The prime minister applauded the 27% rise in FBR revenues and recognized the efforts of the finance minister, FBR chairman, and their teams. Still, he acknowledged that systemic reforms and plugging loopholes remain crucial.
Key FBR Developments:
- A data-driven approach is being introduced using insights from NADRA, banks, and other sectors.
- FBR’s entire value chain is being digitized, including preparations for a digital invoicing system ready for rollout.
- Over 35 new companies have been added to the tax net this fiscal year.
- Tax return forms have been further simplified.
The newly launched performance management system is designed to be fully automated, offering incentives and promotions based on real-time performance data. The goal is to promote a culture of accountability and reward across public institutions.
During his visit, the PM also toured the new FBR Delivery Unit, met with officers, and expressed confidence in their role in modernizing Pakistan’s tax framework.
“These officers are a national asset,” he said. “Their work is vital to building a stronger, more self-sufficient Pakistan.”
