Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan made a resolute declaration on Wednesday, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards cross-border terrorism, labeling it as Pakistan’s ‘red line’. In a meeting with the federal cabinet, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to collaborating with neighboring nations to foster peace in the region, highlighting Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in combating terrorism.
Touching on the imperative of the IMF program, the Prime Minister underscored the critical need to sustain the program, attributing the country’s financial stability to the efforts of the previous government in averting a default situation.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the judiciary and the Chief Justice to adjudicate all cases based on merit, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
In a bid to address economic challenges, the Prime Minister advocated for an austerity policy, stressing the necessity of reducing government expenditure. He proposed streamlining government departments, retaining essential functions at the provincial level in accordance with the 18th Amendment.
Noteworthy decisions emerged from the cabinet meeting, with members, including the Prime Minister, opting to forgo salaries and perks in solidarity with the nation’s economic struggles. This gesture of solidarity extended to President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also chose to decline their salaries during their tenure, citing the economic hardships faced by the country.