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PM SHEHBAZ PUSHES MAJOR AGRICULTURAL EXPANSION AND ECONOMIC REFORM DRIVE Wednesday, 10 June, 2026 | 24 ZilHaj, 1447
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DIRECTS PROVINCES, ESPECIALLY BALOCHISTAN, TO SUBMIT PLANS FOR BOOSTING COTTON PRODUCTION
ORDERS IMMEDIATE RECONSTITUTION OF COTTON BOARD TO STRENGTHEN FARM SECTOR GOVERNANCE
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 76 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
CALLS FOR ACCELERATED MODERNIZATION OF AGRICULTURE, PARC REFORMS, AND CLIMATE-RESILIENT FARMING
REVIEWS PRIVATIZATION ROADMAP FOR DISCOS AS PART OF BROADER SOE REFORM AGENDA
Federal budget likely to be presented on June 12 amid centre-province consultations ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed provincial governments, particularly Balochistan, to prepare comprehensive plans aimed at significantly increasing cotton production, while emphasizing broader agricultural reforms and accelerating economic restructuring measures, including the privatization of power distribution companies. Chairing a meeting with a delegation of agricultural sector stakeholders at the Prime Minister House, the prime minister
instructed that the notification of the reconstituted Cotton Board be issued without delay. He stressed the need for coordinated federal and provincial efforts to boost crop yields, improve per-acre productivity, and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture. The delegation included representatives from farmers’ organizations, dairy and livestock sectors, seed companies, and national and multinational agricultural firms. The meeting was held ahead of the upcoming federal budget for fiscal year 2026–27 to gather input from stakeholders on sectoral reforms. Participants appreciated the government’s recent agricultural initiatives, including the Seed Policy and broader reform agenda, terming them a
Aware of India’s evil designs, response will be decisive: Pakistan tells UN ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has told the United Nations Security Council that it is fully aware of what it described as India’s designs and will not permit any effort to back militant groups or endanger its national security. Speaking during a right of reply at the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said India was following policies aimed at destabilising Pakistan through armed groups operating from Afghan territory. He said Pakistan had thwarted such attempts before and would continue to respond when required. "Pakistan is well aware of India's motives and evil designs. But we will not allow them to nourish terrorists and threaten our national security. I would say that we have stopped them before and we will do it again, and we will do it always," Ambassador Asim said. Pakistan raises concerns over militancy from Afghan soil The envoy said Pakistan had supported the people of Afghanistan through humanitarian aid, political engagement and dialogue efforts. He added that Islamabad had also facilitated bilateral trade and granted transit concessions to assist Afghanistan. He said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to develop into a responsible governing administration and guide Afghanistan towards stability and development. However, he said terrorism had remained a major issue in Afghanistan for decades, affecting neighbouring states as well as the broader region. According to Ambassador Asim, Afghan territory continued to serve as a sanctuary for several militant organisations, including the Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army, the Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. He said Pakistan had expected the Taliban authorities to act against these groups operating from Afghan soil, but they had failed to do so and had disregarded the legitimate security concerns of Pakistan and other countries. Deaths from attacks highlighted at Security Council In his right of reply, the ambassador said terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued to affect Pakistan and had killed hundreds of Pakistani citizens, including women, children and members of the security forces.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday said the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is likely to be presented in Parliament on June 12, as consultations continue between the federal government, coalition partners and provinces on key fiscal issues. In a post on X, the minister said summaries had been sent to the presidency seeking approval to convene sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on June 10. He said the National Assembly session had been proposed for 5pm, while the Senate session was expected to begin at 4pm. The announcement comes amid uncertainty surrounding the budget schedule as the federal government and provincial administrations continue
“game changer” for Pakistan’s farming sector. They also commended the leadership’s efforts toward maintaining stability amid regional tensions. The prime minister said Pakistan’s agriculture sector holds immense potential to transform the national economy if
discussions over the Centre’s demand for additional fiscal space exceeding Rs1 trillion to meet strategic and financial requirements. The situation was further complicated after the meeting of the National Economic Council was postponed for the third time on Monday. The delay reportedly stemmed from ongoing negotiations over proposals related to provincial shares under the National Finance Commission Award. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Adviser Muzzammil Aslam said the federal government had informed provinces that their financial allocations under the NFC Award for the current fiscal year would remain unchanged next year, while any increase in collections beyond the current level would have to be transferred back to the Centre.
modernized effectively. He noted that, with cooperation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is being upgraded to strengthen agricultural research capacity.
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Field Marshal Munir, Lebanese army chief discuss regional security environment RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Rodolphe Haykal held talks at General Headquarters on Tuesday, where they reviewed the evolving regional security environment, defence cooperation and ways to strengthen military relations between Pakistan and Lebanon. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, General Haykal was received at GHQ with a guard of honour presented by a tri-services contingent upon his arrival. Focus on military cooperation The ISPR said the two military leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation, defence cooperation and prospects for enhancing bilateral military ties. The discussions also centred on expanding professional interactions, training cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed
forces of the two countries. During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed the importance Pakistan places on its longstanding and cordial ties with Lebanon and underscored the Pakistan Army’s commitment to broadening defence collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces, according to the military’s media wing. Lebanese commander’s remarks The ISPR said General Haykal praised the professionalism and operational capability of
Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their role in regional peace, stability and international peacekeeping efforts. In its statement, the ISPR said the visit reflected the shared resolve of both militaries to promote closer military-tomilitary cooperation. General Haykal called on Field Marshal Munir in his capacities as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff during the visit to GHQ.
Ahsan hails Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative as blueprint for peace and cooperation ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday described Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative as a timely and comprehensive framework for promoting global peace, stability, and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain international environment. Addressing a seminar titled “75 Years of Friendship: Global Governance Initiative and Construction of CPEC,” organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, he said the contemporary world required a rules-based international order rooted in cooperation, sovereign equality, and peaceful coexistence. The event was held to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. Ahsan Iqbal said President Xi’s initiative, based on five core principles, could help guide the world away from conflict and fragmentation toward a more stable and cooperative global system. He stressed that every country, regardless of size or power, must be treated with equal respect under the principle of sovereign equality. He underscored the importance of adherence to international law, warning that disregard for treaties and global agreements risks increasing tensions and instability. Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, he cautioned that undermining internationally recognized arrangements could have serious implications for regional peace and security. Highlighting the principle of multilateralism, the minister said global challenges could not be resolved by any single country and required inclusive decisionmaking and collective action. He emphasized that developing countries and the Global South must be given a stronger and more meaningful voice in international institutions. On the principle of people-centered development, he said governance and development policies must prioritize the welfare and prosperity of ordinary citizens rather than narrow interests. He added that the true purpose of development was to uplift communities and create equitable opportunities. Discussing the final principle, he stressed that global governance must be outcome-oriented, noting that international institutions must move beyond dialogue and ensure effective implementation of decisions to maintain credibility. Referring to ongoing global crises, including the humanitarian situation in the Middle East, Ahsan Iqbal said current conflicts exposed weaknesses in the international system, adding that global governance could only remain credible if rules were applied fairly and effectively. He said the five principles collectively offered a roadmap for a more peaceful and sustainable global order aligned with the aspirations of people worldwide. Turning to Pakistan-China relations, the minister said the two countries were celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties, describing the friendship as unique and time-tested. He said cooperation between Pakistan and China had continued to deepen across multiple sectors over the decades. He highlighted that bilateral relations were entering a new phase of expansion, with Pakistan’s first astronaut expected to participate in a Chinese space mission, symbolizing growing cooperation in advanced scientific fields.
Pakistan’s youngest MNA moves bill seeking death penalty for acid attack perpetrators LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Member of the National Assembly Jamal Raisani, widely recognised as the youngest parliamentarian in Pakistan’s history, has submitted a bill proposing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for acid attack perpetrators. The move was accompanied by a video message in which Raisani highlighted what he described as a severe imbalance in the justice system, arguing
that victims and their families continue to live in fear while perpetrators often do not face strong enough consequences. “The fear must change sides,” he said, adding that imprisonment alone is not sufficient to deter such acts. He further stated, “The next time somebody picks up a bottle of acid, they must remember one thing… that the State of Pakistan will come after them with full force.” Hailing from Balochistan, Raisani’s political journey is closely linked to personal tragedy and public service. He is the
son of the late Nawabzada Siraj Raisani, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Mastung in 2018 that claimed nearly 150 lives. Representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Raisani was elected to the National Assembly in 2024. His latest legislative initiative adds to a growing trend of younger lawmakers using social media platforms to directly communicate policy positions and legislative intent, particularly on issues related to gender-based violence and public safety.
Government trims development spending plans as budget priorities shift PROFIT
NEWS DESK
The federal government has revised down its proposed development spending for the upcoming fiscal year as it prepares to finalise the FY2026-27 budget under tighter fiscal conditions and competing expenditure priorities. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that the proposed size of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has been lowered from Rs1.126 trillion to Rs1 trillion following revised budgetary ceilings shared with the Planning Ministry. The updated allocation is expected to be
presented before the National Economic Council (NEC). The reduction represents a notable adjustment from the development envelope previously endorsed during annual planning discussions and reflects the government’s broader effort to recalibrate spending priorities ahead of the new fiscal year. Federal development spending has already come under pressure during the outgoing year. The current year’s PSDP had also been revised downward, while utilisation remained below the original allocation, highlighting continued constraints on public investment execution. Officials have indicated that the government in-
tends to focus next year’s development programme primarily on ongoing and strategically significant projects rather than expanding the portfolio of new schemes. Infrastructure linked to longterm economic capacity and national priorities is expected to remain central to allocations. At the same time, provincial governments are also reviewing their expenditure plans for the coming year. Provinces are expected to align development spending more closely with available fiscal space as part of wider efforts to support budget consolidation and accommodate national spending requirements.
The reassessment comes as policymakers attempt to balance growth-supporting expenditure with fiscal discipline. Development budgets have increasingly become an area of adjustment as authorities seek to manage financing needs while maintaining commitments under broader macroeconomic stabilisation efforts. Water and infrastructure projects continue to feature prominently in planning discussions, with investment in large-scale projects seen as important for addressing future resource and capacity requirements. The budget process has also included deliberations around tax policy and expenditure management. Measures under con-
sideration are expected to provide some relief to salaried taxpayers through revisions to income tax structures while also examining targeted support for businesses and exporters. Business groups and taxpayers have argued for adjustments to improve competitiveness and ease cost pressures, although final measures will depend on the overall fiscal framework adopted in the budget. The FY2026-27 budget is expected to outline how the government intends to balance development ambitions, expenditure pressures and revenue targets while maintaining progress on broader economic stabilisation goals.