ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the relevant authorities to quickly devise a strategy for rationalising tariffs for the export sector industries.
During a meeting focused on enhancing facilities for the industrial sector, the prime minister stressed the significance of industrial development and export growth. He assured that the government would provide electricity and gas to industries at affordable rates and directed the authorities to prioritize resolving the issues faced by the industrial sector.
Sharif emphasized that the government aims to support export sector industries by ensuring necessary facilities. He affirmed that all efforts would be made to promote industrial growth and fully harness the country’s productive potential. The prime minister also called for consultations with the industries on tariff rationalisation for electricity and gas.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Leghari, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Minister of State Ali Pervaiz Malik, Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan, and PM Coordinator Rana Ehsaan Afzal, among others.
Tackling Child Stunting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the launch of a nationwide program, in collaboration with provincial governments, to address the issue of child stunting.
In a high-level meeting on Friday, the prime minister called for a comprehensive plan to combat child stunting, population control, and other health issues. He emphasized the importance of providing the best nutrition for children to secure the country’s future. “The government will take special measures on priority for the optimal growth of children,” he stated.
The World Bank presented a detailed report on child growth in Pakistan, highlighting inadequate healthcare, lack of essential nutrients, contaminated water, poor hygiene, and lack of awareness as major causes of child stunting. Data on other diseases such as Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Diabetes was also discussed.
Sharif underscored the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments to tackle these critical issues. The meeting included Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Ahad Khan Cheema, PM Coordinator Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bhurt, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan, senior government officials, and international experts from the World Bank, UNICEF, and other organizations. World Bank Country Director Naje Benhasain, UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fazil, and other experts also attended.
Engagement with Beverage Companies
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the success of the government’s business-friendly policies during a meeting with a delegation of international beverage companies on Friday.
The prime minister assured the delegation of maximum support for foreign investors and the business community to foster job creation, boost exports, and contribute to national economic development. The delegation appreciated the government’s pro-business policies and noted that 25 international beverage plants in Pakistan employed around 130,000 workers.
They also briefed Sharif on the largest recycling system and their significant tax contributions to the national exchequer. The prime minister encouraged the companies to enhance their role under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and instructed relevant authorities to address their proposals and issues promptly.
The delegation was led by Vice President of Coca Cola for Pakistan and Afghanistan Volkan Onguc and CEO of Pepsi Co Pakistan and Afghanistan Muhammad Khosa. Federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, and senior officers were present at the meeting.
