Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairing a federal cabinet meeting, directed swift measures to address the shortage of essential medicines in Kurram district. He instructed the federal government to collaborate with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to resolve the issue without delay. “The situation must be addressed immediately,” he emphasized.
The cabinet also approved the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework, aimed at consolidating citizens’ personal data under the initiative “One Nation, One Identity.” The framework will assign a unique ID to every Pakistani by integrating key data points, such as:
- National identity cards
- Passports
- Vaccination records
- Court and police records
The system will ensure data accessibility and integration across major national databases, including NADRA, the State Bank of Pakistan, SECP, and FBR.
During the meeting, the cabinet approved the reorganization of various institutional boards.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended condolences over recent tragedies, including the martyrdom of a policeman during a polio campaign in Karak and the deaths of five Pakistani migrants in a boat accident near Greece. He revealed that 40 people were rescued in the incident and announced plans for a high-level meeting to discuss measures to prevent such events in the future.
Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to late PML-N leader Siddiqul Farooq, calling him a loyal companion of Nawaz Sharif.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate polio, highlighting that Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries yet to eliminate the disease.
Additionally, Shehbaz welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to cut interest rates by 2%, describing it as a positive move for economic growth, investment, and trade.
The meeting concluded with the prime minister’s commitment to boosting investment and economic recovery, with plans for a special ceremony later this month to encourage domestic and foreign investment.
