Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the resolve for making Pakistan an economic power with the same hard work, spirit, and commitment that was demonstrated to make Pakistan a nuclear power. Addressing the Federal Cabinet meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday, he paid glowing tribute to all the heroes including scientists, politicians, and other institutions that made Pakistan's defense impregnable and transformed it into a nuclear power. He also prayed for better health for all those heroes.According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the significant role all the governments have played in attaining nuclear power status. He reiterated that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is solely for defense, not for offensive purposes. Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as the founder of Pakistan's nuclear program, while crediting former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif for bringing it to completion and conducting nuclear tests.He noted that history will forever remember May 2 8 as the day when Pakistan reemerged as a nuclear power, gaining strength that will remain an asset for the country's defense. The Prime Minister also commemorated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, attributing the landmark victory to national unity, cohesion, and the blessings of Allah Almighty. He praised the courage and bravery of the armed forces, stating that they taught the enemy a lasting lesson.Furthermore, the Prime Minister lauded the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism and highlighted ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism from the nation. He commended the teamwork of cabinet members for economic improvements over the past two years, despite facing numerous challenges.The Federal Cabinet also offered fateha for the elevation of the ranks of all those martyred in the war against terrorism. Addressing the issues related to the sale and procurement of wheat across the country, the cabinet formed a committee to tackle these concerns.In addition, the Federal Cabinet directe d the formulation of an accountability mechanism for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and private Hajj operators to safeguard pilgrims' rights. It approved recommendations from a committee reviewing the Hajj Policy 2027-2030, presented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The cabinet also sanctioned the transfer of construction and development responsibilities for a low-cost housing project in Farash Town, Islamabad, to the Capital Development Authority, aimed at supporting residents of Islamabad's Katchi Abadis.
