Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired several high-level meetings on Thursday, reviewing progress on national initiatives ranging from polio eradication and economic digitalization to infrastructure development and urban beautification projects across Pakistan.
Nationwide polio campaign from April 21
During a comprehensive briefing on the country’s anti-polio efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child under the age of five is vaccinated during the upcoming national polio campaign starting April 21.
Commending frontline workers, the premier said, “Our hardworking polio workers are the pride of the nation. They are playing a leading role in making Pakistan polio-free.” He also directed that 100% routine immunization must be ensured during the campaign.
Push for complete digitalization of economy
In another significant meeting, the PM reviewed the government’s roadmap for digitizing Pakistan’s economy. The government has now decided to completely shift the country’s economy to a digital system, with the PM tasking the relevant ministries and institutions to take immediate measures.
Reforms, according to the PM, were crucial to eliminating the informal and unequal economy as well as improving the country’s economy. He further said reforms were being implemented at a coordinated and institutional level so that the change was sustainable and long-lasting.
He ordered the immediate formation of a dynamic working group to implement the digitalization plan and praised the successful rollout of the digital wallet used during the Ramadan package distribution.
Infrastructure and beautification projects
PM Shehbaz also reviewed infrastructure progress, especially in Islamabad and Balochistan. Noting improvements in the flow of traffic in the capital, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the Interior Ministry’s efforts and praised Islamabad’s blooming flowers and ongoing development projects.
He lauded Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, calling him “Pakistan Speed” for the rapid pace of development projects. “Major expansion and renovation projects in Islamabad are commendable, and Mohsin Naqvi deserves congratulations,” said the PM. "The way we faced challenges, we will also complete the journey of development with full force."
Balochistan highway to replace ‘bloody track’
Speaking about Balochistan, the prime minister announced the construction of a modern highway to replace the "bloody track" that has claimed around 2,000 lives. “This road will be of motorway quality,” he declared, adding that the Rs300 billion project will be completed within two years.
Calling out critics of the initiative, the PM said, “Criticism of this project is narrow-minded. Pakistan is made of four provinces — and development in every province is the development of Pakistan.”
He further said that a magnificent highway had just been built in Karachi, adding that the government was working day and night on motorway projects up to Karachi. "Our entire political and military leadership has a vision that the entire country should develop," the PM insisted.
Praise from Mohsin Naqvi
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his gratitude to PM Shehbaz for laying the foundation stone of the Balochistan highway project. “I will have the prime minister inaugurate this project within 35 days,” he promised.
Naqvi also requested the creation of a separate traffic cadre for Islamabad Police and shared that parking charges will soon be introduced at eight to 10 locations in the capital to regulate city traffic better.
Optimism on Economic Outlook
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted recent positive developments in the economy. “Fitch has declared Pakistan’s economy as stable. We are on a journey of growth and prosperity,” he said. Shehbaz reaffirmed his commitment to completing all national projects with full force.
