ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over delays and shortcomings in implementing his directives by federal ministries.
He has instructed senior officials to ensure timely execution, stronger follow-up and greater attention to policy outcomes.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued the instructions to around 41 federal secretaries and department heads. The move followed an incident in which a ministry allegedly failed to show adequate diligence while implementing a prime ministerial directive.
The official correspondence did not identify the ministry involved.
According to reports, the matter concerned betel nut imports and the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of National Food Security. Authorities discovered unauthorized changes in import regulations after a notification issued on October 17, 2025, differed significantly from a draft approved by the ministry in September.
The government has since resolved the matter, according to an official.
PM Calls for Greater Accountability
Officials also highlighted difficulties in handling communications with Indonesia and Uzbekistan. The Prime Minister’s Office said these shortcomings caused avoidable delays and created additional legal and regulatory complications.
Shehbaz said the ministry appeared to focus on completing assigned tasks rather than achieving their intended objectives.
He stressed that proper diligence and follow-up remain essential for effective governance and timely decision-making on public matters.
The Prime Minister’s Office has therefore directed federal secretaries to implement policy instructions with greater responsibility and attention. Ministries must also complete assigned directives and address related issues comprehensively.
Ministries Told to Improve Coordination
The instructions also call for stronger coordination between government departments.
Officials have been advised to seek consensus while resolving interministerial matters instead of using consultations to shift responsibility.
Senior civil servants have also been urged to demonstrate initiative and use their experience, skills and analytical abilities to achieve policy objectives.
The directives come amid renewed debate over governance and administrative performance within the federal government.
Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi recently said the government system had collapsed. He also argued that longer working hours alone would not improve government performance.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit continues to monitor the implementation of Shehbaz’s directives. Musharraf Rasool Cyan currently heads the unit.
