Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to spare no effort until relief and rehabilitation work is completed in the flood-affected areas. 

Chairing federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad today (Friday), he said the federal government has extended full cooperation to the provincial governments to deal with the situation arising out of floods.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of armed forces in rescue and relief operations.  He said Pakistan Army reached the distant and difficult areas to rescue the people. For this purpose, helicopters were also used. He emphasized it is our collective responsibility, and together we will move forward.

He mentioned that over seven hundred people including over four hundred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost their lives in the recent rains and flash floods. He emphasized that the responsibility of climate change ministry has increased to deal with the issue of climate change.  He said other relevant departments will also have to play their part in it.

Voicing concerns over illegal constructions in rivers as well as cutting of trees in Galiyat, the Prime Minister said he will soon convene a meeting to discuss these issues, emphasizing there is no room for man-made disasters. 

Alluding to the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said China is Pakistan's all weather friend and a strategic partner. He said the relationship between the two countries is getting stronger with each passing day. He said China has always extended support to Pakistan. He mentioned that he would be visiting China to hold bilateral meetings in addition to attending the SCO meeting.  

On the occasion, fateha was offered for those who lost their lives in recent rains and floods. 

The Federal Cabinet approved the dissolution of Utility Stores Corporation.

The cabinet was told that operations of Utility Stores across the country were officially terminated as of July 31.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the rights of employees be fully protected throughout the dissolution process. He stressed that the procedure must be carried out transparently, in strict compliance with all legal and regulatory frameworks concerning employee welfare.

Besides, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval to amend the Special Economic Zones Act of 2012 to foster industrial development and encourage the establishment of new industries. The proposed amendments aim to create a more business and investor-friendly environment within these zones, accelerating industrial growth.

In this context, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated that a conducive environment for businesses and investors is essential for national industrial progress. He affirmed that the country’s economy is stable and on a path of sustained growth, and that industrial expansion will lead to increased exports and job creation.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Cabinet also reviewed proposals concerning the stabilization of urea fertilizer prices.

The Prime Minister emphasized that lowering production costs for farmers is crucial to boosting agricultural output.

To address this issue, he formed a committee comprising Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Prime Minister's Advisor Muhammad Ali, and Special Assistant for Industry Haroon Akhtar.