PM Shehbaz Orders Immediate Action to Address Medicine Shortage in Kurram

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss a range of pressing national issues, including the alarming shortage of essential medicines in Kurram district. The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the lack of medical supplies in the region and directed the federal government to immediately coordinate with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to resolve the issue. “The shortage of medicines in Kurram must be addressed without delay,” he emphasized.

National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework Approved

In addition to addressing the healthcare crisis, the cabinet also granted in-principle approval to the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework. The initiative, dubbed “One Nation, One Identity,” aims to consolidate essential citizens’ data, including passports, national identity cards, vaccination records, court and police records, and more. This policy is designed to create a unique identity for every Pakistani and ensure seamless integration of major national databases, including those of NADRA, the State Bank of Pakistan, SECP, and FBR.

Condolences and Plans for Action on Recent Tragedies

During the meeting, the Prime Minister also expressed his condolences over several recent tragedies. He mourned the martyrdom of a policeman during a polio eradication campaign in Karak, as well as the tragic deaths of five Pakistani migrants in a boat accident near Greece. The PM announced plans to convene a meeting with relevant ministers and officials in the coming days to take decisive action following these incidents. He also extended his condolences to the family of PML-N leader Siddiqul Farooq, calling him a “beloved and loyal companion.”

Polio Eradication and Economic Growth Initiatives

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the country, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the last nations still striving to achieve this goal. He praised the government’s ongoing efforts and reaffirmed the importance of a unified approach.

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The cabinet also welcomed the recent decision by the State Bank of Pakistan to reduce interest rates by 2%, a move the Prime Minister described as a positive development for businesses, traders, and industrialists. This reduction is expected to foster greater economic growth and attract increased investment in the country.

A Vision for Economic Recovery

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism for Pakistan’s economic recovery, stressing that promoting investment within the country would pave the way for foreign investments. He announced plans to hold a special ceremony later this month aimed at encouraging investment and fostering economic growth.

“If we encourage investment in the country, only then will foreign investment come,” he stated, highlighting the government’s determination to create a conducive environment for long-term economic prosperity.