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Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 | 17 ZilHaj, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 69 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PM SHEHBAZ PUSHES INDUSTRIAL GROWTH, FOREIGN INVESTMENT AS KEY TO ECONOMIC REVIVAL g
PREMIER STRESSES SKILLED TRADES AND INDUSTRY AS PILLARS OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS, DIRECTING MINISTRIES TO INTEGRATE MODERN TECHNOLOGY ACROSS KEY SECTORS
CALLS FOR ENHANCED FOREIGN INVESTMENT TO BOOST SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, SAYING POLICY FOCUS MUST REMAIN ON PUBLIC WELFARE AND NATIONAL PROSPERITY
EMPHASISES REFORMS TO INCREASE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS, ORDERING RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGY TO MEET FUTURE POWER NEEDS
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ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized that the promotion of industry and skilled trades, along with enhanced foreign investment, is indispensable for the country’s economic progress, directing all ministries to ensure meaningful expert consultation for the integration of modern technologies across various sectors of the economy. Chairing a high-level review meeting on policy measures and reforms aimed at boosting investment and overall economic growth, the prime minister underscored the need for sectoral reforms, industrial expansion and increased foreign investment to ensure sustainable economic development. He said long-term economic policies must remain focused on public welfare and national prosperity, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He emphasized that effective policy interventions to increase domestic production and expand exports were among the government’s key priorities. “Indus-
trial products must contribute not only to increased local manufacturing but also to higher export volumes,” he said. The prime minister directed that reforms across the industrial, commercial and economic sectors should be designed with a focus on long-term economic gains and public welfare. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to develop a comprehen-
Kh Asif says Taliban support for TTP continues, warns against trusting 'mixed signals' ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday asserted that the Afghan Taliban regime continues to support the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), cautioning against placing trust in what he described as contradictory signals emanating from Kabul regarding cross-border terrorism. Speaking during an interview with a private television channel, the defence minister dismissed media reports claiming that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had directed the TTP to halt attacks inside Pakistan. “It is only in the media. Practically, there has been no change in the situation on the ground,” Asif said, maintaining that there was no evidence of any meaningful shift in the Taliban’s policy towards militant groups operating against Pakistan. He urged the Afghan Taliban leadership to unequivocally end all support for the TTP, stressing that any such decision should come directly from the highest levels of the Taliban government. “It should come from the horse’s mouth,” he remarked, referring to reports about a possible withdrawal of Taliban backing for the militant outfit.
sive strategy for meeting future energy needs through alternative and renewable energy sources. Addressing the transportation and energy sectors, Shehbaz Sharif said a comprehensive and effective electric vehicle policy was the need of the hour to promote energy conservation and provide affordable transport solutions to the public. He instructed all ministries to ensure
meaningful consultation with experts to facilitate the integration of modern technologies across various sectors of the economy. Stressing inter-ministerial coordination, the prime minister said all ministries must work in close collaboration to formulate and implement effective development policies. The premier further stated that transparency in governance and optimal performance in all reform initiatives remained among the government’s top priorities. During the meeting, relevant ministries briefed participants on various policy proposals currently under consideration. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar, Director General of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Major General Asad Rehman Cheema, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Federal budget moved to June 10 as NEC meeting postponed PROFIT
MONITORING REPORT
The federal government will now present the budget for the financial year 2026-27 on June 10 instead of June 5, while the National Assembly session called for the budget presentation has also been postponed, according to media reports. The budget was earlier scheduled to be presented on Friday, June 5. Business Recorder reported, quoting PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb as saying that the federal budget would now be presented on Wednesday, June 10. However, she did not specify the reasons for the change in the schedule. The development came after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, postponed its meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 3. According to a Cabinet Division notice, the NEC meeting scheduled for June 3, 2026, had been postponed, and a new date would be communicated later. “It is to inform that the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) scheduled on Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026, has been postponed. New date will be communicated in due time,” read the notice by the Cabinet Division.
The NEC meeting is important because the constitutional body approves key macroeconomic targets and endorses the size of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) before the federal budget is presented. Sources familiar with the matter said that the size and composition of the PSDP remained one of the key unresolved issues in budget discussions. They said several stakeholders within the coalition government were seeking higher allocations for development schemes despite fiscal constraints. The postponement of the NEC meeting is expected to allow further deliberations on the upcoming budget before final approval of macroeconomic targets and the development programme. Meanwhile, Geo News reported, citing parliamentary sources, that the federal budget had been delayed because the government wanted to complete key legislation before the budget session. According to National Assembly sources, the proposed laws would have important implications for the upcoming federal budget. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally in the coalition government, was opposing the proposed amendments.
Pakistan, seven Muslim nations condemn Israeli settlers' incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
Pakistan, along with seven other Muslim countries, on Tuesday strongly condemned the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. According to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates expressed their strongest condemnation of repeated entries by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli security forces, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyards. The ministers described these actions as provocative, unacceptable and a blatant violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the longstanding historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. The joint statement reaffirmed the countries’ categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historical, legal and religious character of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy places. The ministers also underscored the importance of preserving the existing status quo and acknowledged the special role of the Hashemite custodianship of Jordan in safeguarding the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem. Emphasising the sanctity of the site, the ministers reiterated that the entire 144-dunam area of Al Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They further stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, operating under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the mosque’s affairs and regulating access to the sacred compound.
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Dar pushes diplomacy drive as Kuwait praises Pakistan’s dialogue-led peace efforts ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad AlSabah, discussing evolving regional and international developments and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy and sustained engagement as the preferred path to lasting peace and stability across the region. According to a Foreign Office statement, both sides reviewed the prevailing regional situation and stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to advance peace and stability. The Kuwaiti foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s continued mediatory role and its efforts to facilitate engagement between the United States and Iran, commending its constructive contribution to regional peace and security. The FO said Dar reiterated Pakistan’s consistent position in support of
diplomacy and dialogue as the most viable route to durable peace. Both leaders also expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic initiatives would yield positive outcomes in the near future. Reaffirming the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, the two ministers agreed to remain in close contact going forward. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also received a telephone call from Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during which both sides discussed the latest regional developments and underlined the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability. They agreed to maintain close coordination in this regard. Pakistan’s diplomatic role in USIran engagement Pakistan has recently emerged as a key facilitator in sensitive diplomatic efforts, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.
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