Shehbaz Sharif Demands Perform or Perish from Cabinet Amid Economic Crisis

Pakistans Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, convened the first cabinet meeting after completing government formation. He stressed the need for decisive action to tackle the severe economic challenges facing the country. Sharif urged Cabinet members to deliver results or face consequences, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Controlling inflation and potentially privatizing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were among the key issues discussed.

Islamabad, Mar 11: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for drastic measures to address the country's severe economic crisis, urging his Cabinet members to "perform or perish."

Cabinet Induction and Challenges

After completing the formation of his government, Prime Minister Sharif inducted 19 members into the Cabinet. Addressing the inaugural Cabinet meeting, he acknowledged the significant challenges Pakistan is facing, particularly in the economic realm. He stressed the urgency of taking bold actions, stating that it is "now or never" for the country.

Economic Challenges and Solutions

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the critical need to control inflation, recognizing it as the most pressing challenge. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal government and provincial administrations to manage the prices of essential commodities effectively.

Potential Privatization of PIA

The Prime Minister also indicated the possibility of privatizing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a priority measure. He pointed out that the national flag carrier is incurring substantial annual losses, amounting to over Rs 850 billion, and requires urgent attention.

Cabinet Oath-Taking Ceremony

Newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to 19 Cabinet members during a ceremony held at the President's House. Notable attendees included former Prime Minister Sharif and other dignitaries. The newly inducted Cabinet members include Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Azam Tarar, Rana Tanvir, Mohsin Naqvi, Ahad Cheema, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Riaz Prizada, Qaiser Sheikh, Shaza Fatima, Aleem Khan, Jam Kamal, Amir Muqam, Awais Leghari, Atta Tarar, Salik Hussian, and Musaddiq Malik.

Key Cabinet Positions

Muhammad Aurangzeb has been assigned the finance ministry, while Ishaq Dar has been appointed as the foreign minister. Dar was present during Prime Minister Shehbaz's meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, underscoring the significance of foreign relations in addressing the country's challenges.

Reinstatement of Pakistani Citizenship

In one of its initial decisions, the Cabinet approved the reinstatement of Pakistani citizenship to Finance Minister Aurangzeb, who holds Dutch nationality and resides in the Netherlands. This decision was based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior.

Committee for Price Control

Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed the immediate formation of a committee tasked with controlling the prices of essential food items in the country. The committee, in collaboration with provincial governments, will closely monitor prices and take strict action against unjustified price increases and profiteering. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a temporary restriction on the export of onions and bananas until the 15th of next month, as recommended by the Ministry of Commerce.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's call for "deep surgery" reflects the gravity of Pakistan's economic crisis. His emphasis on performance and decisive action sets the tone for the newly formed government's approach to addressing the country's challenges. The Cabinet's initial decisions, including the reinstatement of citizenship and the formation of a price control committee, demonstrate a commitment to tackling pressing issues. As Pakistan navigates this critical juncture, the success of these measures will be crucial in stabilizing the economy and improving the lives of its citizens.