In a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, several significant decisions were made to ensure economic stability, promote renewable energy, and enhance national security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that no new duty be imposed on solar panels, ensuring common citizens have affordable access to renewable solar energy. He stressed the importance of low-cost solar energy reaching every citizen, reinforcing his commitment to making renewable energy accessible and affordable. 

"Low-cost renewable solar energy will be made accessible to every citizen," he insisted. 

The prime minister detailed his strategy for boosting the economy, which includes increasing exports by developing small and medium-scale industries. He emphasized abolishing privileges for the elite and resource exploiters, prioritizing economic security and equal development opportunities for all citizens. 

"We are planning hard to move the economy in a positive direction," he added. 

Taking cabinet members into confidence on the misunderstandings and speculations about the 'Azm-e-Istehkam Vision', Prime Minister Sharif clarified that it did not involve launching new operations. Instead, he announced that intelligence-based operations already underway would be intensified to decisively root out terrorist remnants and violent extremism. 

Also Read: Political parties' concerns on 'Operation Azm-e-Istehkam' to be addressed: Asif

"Azm-e-Istehkam is a multifaceted cooperation of security agencies and the overall national vision of the entire state system," Shehbaz explained. He highlighted that large-scale armed operations often necessitate displacement, adding that the initiation of any such operation under Azm-e-Istehkam was a misunderstanding. 

The PM instructed cabinet members to ensure their presence in parliament during the discussion of the 2024-25 budget. The meeting also confirmed the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) regarding sugar export and other economic measures.

The cabinet was briefed on the rapid progress in the privatization of state institutions, particularly Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). "The privatization process of PIA is going on fast," the meeting was told. It was further told that pre-bidding companies were currently visiting PIA sites, with bidding scheduled for the first week of August.

The PM directed the acceleration of the privatization process with complete transparency.

In humanitarian efforts, the cabinet approved a one-time special permission for the World Food Program to transit parts of trucks from Karachi to Kabul. Additionally, an MoU between Pakistan and the Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs was approved. 

Also Read: PM Office rejects comparison of 'Azm-e-Istehkam' with past military operations

The tenure of the implementation committee for the movable property of the late emir of Bahawalpur was extended until March 2025. The appointment of the executive director of the Frequency Allocation Board was also approved.

The cabinet ratified decisions made in recent meetings of the ECC, the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee on Public Owned Enterprises. Additionally, the annual report of the National Economic Council for 2022-23 will be presented in parliament. 

The cabinet was apprised of the decision of the ECC regarding the export of sugar. It was assured of ample sugar reserves in the country, with future consumption and surplus estimates considered. A small quantity of surplus sugar has been approved for export.

However, the prime minister ordered the formation of a cabinet committee to monitor sugar prices closely. He stated that any potential price increase would result in halt of further exports to ensure market stability. "No increase in the price of sugar will be allowed," he stressed.