Govt-PTI talks to boost economy, promote unity, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Tuesday the government-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) dialogue, if it keeps in view national interest, would bring about economic stability and national unity in the country.

Addressing the federal cabinet, he expressed his satisfaction over start of the dialogue, Shehbaz stressed that national interests should be kept before personal interests during talks.

He said that he did not doubt anybody’s intentions, but if the government and the opposition take decisions in the better national interests, it would be beneficial for the country and the nation, resulting in more economic stability. He said the government committee comprises Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah Khan, Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Syed Naeed Qamar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem Khan and Khalid Magsi.

Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Yunus, and the presidents of Indonesia and Turkiye on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, he said Pakistan-Bangladesh ties were entering a new era as the latter had abolished erstwhile 100 percent scanning of Pakistan’s export products and special desk at airports for screening Pakistani passport holders.

He said Pakistan was also reciprocating with positive indicators and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February.

“But all these efforts will come to fruition if we promote the national unity and solidarity. This is a good initiative of the National Assembly speaker. We will contribute with sincerity. But it takes two to tango. I hope both parties will play their part to serve the national interests and promote national stability,” the prime minister added.

He said that in coordination with the provincial governments, all-out resources were being utilised to purge the country of terrorism and reiterated the resolve not to sit idle until the objective was achieved.

Regarding the sectarian clashes in the KP, the prime minister criticised the provincial government for utilising the resources to march on Islamabad, instead of addressing the issue. “Had the provincial government spent resources [in Kurram[ they spent on the march, the situation could have been different,” he said.

Meanwhile, the federal cabinet deferred its approval recommendations of a committee with regard to right-sizing in the Ministries of Science and Technology, Housing and Works, Trade and Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The Committee on Right-Sizing has recommended closure of some departments of these ministries and merger of some other departments.

The committee has also recommended reduction in 30 percent posts of these ministries at the Federal Secretariat which would help in making annual saving of Rs42.1 billion.

The Prime Minister directed that report of the Committee on Right-Sizing be submitting again at the Cabinet meeting in light of views of Cabinet members.

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi briefed the Cabinet meeting that federal and provincial governments for jointly carrying out relief activities in Parachinar.

He said that Prime Minister’s helicopter was dedicated for shifting injured people to hospitals of other cities.

Moreover, the Minister said that availability of all necessary medicines in hospitals of Parachinar was also ensured.

On Tuesday, the PM inaugurated the F-8 underpass on its completion record 42 days which would result in smooth traffic flow on two main avenues Islamabad, Jinnah Avenue and 9th Avenue.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister highly praised Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa in accomplishing the task in 42 days. “The nations progress in this way if they work day and night and Allah Almighty gives them the reward,” he said.

He noted that the interior minister, CDA chairman and their team members continued to visit the project day and night and that was why the made the achievement. “Pakistan will make rapid progress if similar spirit is demonstrated,” he said.

Federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, MNAs from Rawalpindi Islamabad and the the CDA chairman were also present on the occasion.

Shehbaz, who laid foundation stone of the project on November 05, expressed the hope that the newly constructed underpass would help facilitate the traffic of the capital city, and the civic agency would also complete the Serena Chowk underpass in similar way.

He also appreciated the Islamabad Traffic Police for maintaining smooth flow of traffic on project site.

The interior minister appreciated the CDA team for ensuinge that the projected is completed in 1,008 hours. “ This is not the first project as we both have completed 10 to 12 projects in Lahore and credit goes to Randhawa,” he said.

He assured the prime minister that the project of a nursery on his direction to provide cheaper and quality plants to residents of Islamabad would be completed by March next.

He said that the Ministry of Interior and CDA would also submit a plan to the prime minister as to how two more five-star hotels would be created in the federal capital.

He informed the prime minister that 50 percent work on interchange project at the same site would be completed in promised 100 days.

The Interior minister said that he, as the PCB chairman, would also request the prime minister to inaugurate reconstructed Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, adding the project would be accomplished within 75 days.

Naqvi further said that the project of Serena Chowk underpass would also be completed in stipulated 60 days while issue traffic jam F-10 roundabout would also be resolved in the next few days.

Meanwhile, the prime minister, paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 148th Birthday, said that Quaid-i-Azam was a leader of rare caliber who believed deeply in unity, justice and equality.

“Today, as we celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of our founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are reminded of his extraordinary vision, unwavering courage, and unparalleled determination. He achieved what many thought impossible and gifted us our homeland— Pakistan,” the prime minister said in his message.

Shehbaz highlighted that his life continued to inspire countless people as an enlightened teacher, visionary lawyer, principled statesman, steadfast politician, and charismatic leader. “His journey is a testament to the power of conviction and the realisation of dreams through hard work and dedication.”

The Quad once remarked, “Failure is a word unknown to me.” True to his words, he pursued his vision with relentless resolve and succeeded in carving out a nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent. For him, titles and accolades were secondary to his ultimate goal — a brighter future for his people, the prime minister added.

He said the Quaid dreamt of a Pakistan where every citizen could live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. His vision for Pakistan was one of inclusivity, unity, and prosperity.

“As we commemorate this special day, let us draw strength from Quaid-i-Azam’s legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values he stood for. It is our duty as Pakistanis to work tirelessly for the progress, prosperity, and unity of our nation, the prime minister remarked.

Separately, the prime minister, on the occasion of Christmas, conveyed his warmest greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world.

In his message, the prime minister emphasised the profound teachings of Prophet Jesus (AS), particularly his message of peace, love and compassion, urging all to reflect on these enduring values.

“Prophet Jesus preached enduring values such as compassion, kindness, mercy and wisdom, guiding people toward virtuous living and urging them to seek divine mercy,” he said.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Christian community in Pakistan, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare and nation-building. “On this day, we also pay tribute to the invaluable contributions made by our Christian brethren to the progress and stability of the country, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare and nation-building.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of all religious communities, the prime minister emphasised that Pakistan remained dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. “We will continue to ensure that every individual, regardless of their faith, can practice their beliefs freely and contribute to the collective advancement of our nation,” he added.

The prime minister wished that may this Christmas bring joy and blessings to every home and may the coming year be filled with hope, peace, and success for our beloved country and its people.

Meanwhile, the prime minister expressed his deep grief over the loss of 12 precious lives at explosive production facility in Balikesir province of Turkiye.

On his X handle, the prime minister, expressed his heartfelt condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish brethren.

“While expressing our solidarity with the people of Turkiye, we pray for the bereaved families and swift recovery of the injured,” he said.

An explosion at an explosives production facility in Turkiye’s western Balikesir province had left 12 people dead and several others injured, Turkish media quoted the authorities.

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said that five people were also injured in the blast, which occurred in the Karesi district.