The federal cabinet decided on Friday to postpone the matter of closing the Public Works Department (PWD) until its next meeting.
During the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it had approved a review of the incentive scheme aimed at boosting foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, the cabinet had authorized the initiation of financial assurance negotiations between China and Pakistan Railways for the ML-1 upgrade project.
It was directed that the proposed financial agreement related to ML-1 be presented for cabinet approval in a subsequent session. According to sources, the premier chose to postpone the discussion on the PWDF without debating it during the current meeting, instructing that a decision on its closure be made in the following session.
In a briefing, PM Shehbaz had updated the cabinet on his recent visit to Quetta, emphasizing the government's commitment to eradicate terrorism and enhance the capabilities of the law enforcement agencies in Balochistan.
He lavished his praise on the Balochistan government's efforts to integrate local youth into the national mainstream and promote regional development.
PM Shehbaz had assured that the federal government will extend its full support to the Balochistan government in providing equal educational opportunities and development prospects.
The cabinet approved several projects, including the realignment of a section of the Karakoram Highway, and confirmed the decisions made in the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on August 29.