PM calls for enhanced disaster management following Swat tragedy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to work with provincial disaster management authorities to develop a coordinated programme aimed at preventing incidents like the recent Swat tragedy.
He made these remarks during a visit to the NDMA's National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad on Tuesday. He also directed the compilation of comprehensive reports on such incidents, noting that around 49 people have lost their lives, with several others injured, across Pakistan.
Commending the state-of-the-art NEOC facility, Sharif assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance to strengthen the institute and enhance its capacity.
PM Shehbaz revealed that he has tasked Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik with securing grants and investments, rather than loans, through public-private partnerships aimed at building resilient infrastructure in Pakistan.
Addressing water security, he voiced concerns over India's provocative actions regarding the Indus Water Treaty and announced that the government would construct non-controversial water storage facilities using Pakistan's own resources.
The PM further highlighted Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, noting that the country is now increasingly susceptible to cloudbursts, despite contributing little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
He also stressed that the recent devastation caused by sudden glacial melting due to an unprecedented heatwave requires the highest level of preparedness to mitigate future risks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM orders to digitise all industrial production processes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to digitise all industrial production processes, bringing them into the tax net, especially tax defaulters. The prime minister gave these directives while chairing a weekly review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) digitisation and other reforms on Wednesday. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz directed that the Track and Trace Digital Production System be integrated into the production and delivery stages of goods to bring all production into the tax net. The prime minister further directed the expansion of the scope of FBR's Point of Sale (POS) system in the retail sector. During the meeting, the premier was briefed on the progress of reform initiatives in the FBR. The briefing noted that the Track and Trace Digital Production System has so far been fully implemented in the sugar, tobacco, and fertiliser industries and will soon be fully rolled out to the cement and other sectors. The prime minister instructed the FBR to keep all channels open to facilitate the business community and taxpayers. PM Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and the FBR for achieving a 42% increase in federal tax revenues in FY 2024–25, the highest in the last ten years. It was learnt that Rs865 billion in additional revenue was collected in FY2024–25 compared to the previous year through reforms and the enforcement of tax laws — a historic eightfold increase. The briefing further stated that the federal revenue to GDP ratio stood at 11.3% in FY 2024–25, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the previous year. PM Shehbaz directed that all institutions must work with full dedication to achieve revenue and economic goals in the new fiscal year. 'No carelessness will be tolerated in achieving economic targets for Pakistan's prosperous future,' said the Prime Minister. 'I am personally supervising all stages of revenue collection and the achievement of economic goals,' he added. PM instructed FBR officers to treat the public with dignity and called on all government departments to fully cooperate with the FBR for the development of the national economy.
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan advances NEV policy with Rs100bn subsidy
ISLAMABAD: A high-level meeting on the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy was held today under the chairmanship of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Pakistan Banking Association and leading insurance companies. During the meeting, an in-depth discussion took place regarding the proposed Rs. 100 billion subsidy package aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles in Pakistan. Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision of this substantial subsidy reflects a commitment to the dual goals of public welfare and environmental protection. Pakistan launches National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-30 The SAPM noted that the successful implementation of the NEV Policy can play a vital role in reducing smog and air pollution across the country. He emphasized that it will not only help improve air quality but also significantly reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported oil, ultimately decreasing the nation's multi-billion-dollar oil import bill. Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to a clean and prosperous Pakistan, stating, 'Our mission is a smog-free, pollution-free, and prosperous pakistan.' As part of the NEV Policy, he announced that electric vehicle charging stations will be set up nationwide to ensure convenience for the public and to encourage the transition towards clean and sustainable transportation.
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business Recorder
‘Digital Nation Pakistan': AI curriculum across federal schools launched
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has launched an AI curriculum across federal schools, begun training 10,000 AI instructors, and initiated fibre optic internet connectivity for 532 schools in Islamabad — all as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's 'Digital Nation Pakistan' vision. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that AI and emerging technology education will now be made accessible to every child, starting this academic year. Over 1,000 teachers have already been trained, with summer sessions planned to expand and deepen their capacity. 'From computer literacy to artificial intelligence, educating our youth in cutting-edge technologies is no longer optional — it's essential,' said the minister. 'Our focus has shifted from just training numbers to actual employability and impact.' She highlighted that a high-level committee, formed under the prime minister's directive, is reviewing national IT curricula with an emphasis on employability of school and college graduates. The revised curriculum, being jointly developed by the Ministry of Education, HEC, and National Curriculum Council, targets students from Grade 6 to 12. Further key developments include: Smart labs, classrooms, and digital screens have already been installed in over 100 federal schools and colleges. A hybrid/EdTech model is being rolled out to ensure modern education reaches remote areas. The National AI Policy is actively working to prepare 10,000 AI trainers for nationwide deployment. Google and Microsoft certifications will be offered to students to improve their international job prospects. In a major international collaboration, Pakistan signed a deal with Huawei during the PM's recent visit to China, aiming to train 300,000 students in AI and digital skills. Over 200 students have already completed their training under this agreement, with the rest expected by year-end. Minister Khawaja concluded that the real goal now is to create a digitally skilled, employable workforce, not just run training programmes. 'We are investing in people, in skills, and in future livelihoods. Every child deserves this opportunity,' she said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
