Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the imposition of an agricultural and climate emergency in Pakistan, citing the devastation caused by recent floods.
Chairing a cabinet meeting, the premier said Punjab had suffered extensive destruction, with thousands of acres of crops submerged, while floodwaters were now entering Sindh.
He directed authorities to assess the scale of agricultural and economic losses, adding that damage estimates were already being prepared for crops across affected regions.
PM acknowledged that Pakistan could not tackle climate change “overnight” and urged long-term measures to mitigate its impact.
He expressed hope that losses in Sindh would remain limited, praying for the safety of affected communities.
ANTI-STATE PROPAGANDA
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that those involved in anti-state propaganda must be annihilated. He paid glowing tributes Major Adnan Aslam who was martyred in a gunfight with terrorists.
The premier said he attended his funeral yesterday at the GHQ in Rawalpindi and met his father and sisters who were proud of him. “Major Adnan sacrificed his life for the nation. No one can truly understand what it means to stand in front of guns and artillery. We should be grateful to our armed forces, our martyrs, and our veterans,” he added.
The prime minister said his sisters told him that their brother gave his life for a great cause, and they are ready to do the same. “This is the spirit that defines the nation. Major Adnan is not the only one — many soldiers, lance naiks, majors, colonels, and others have written a new chapter in history with their sacrifices, fighting against the enemies of Pakistan.
“Today, toxic propaganda is being spread across the country. Institutions are being mocked on social media. We must completely uproot this dangerous conspiracy.”
He stressed that those involved — both within Pakistan and abroad — must be identified and eliminated. “We must go to the very end to crush this terrorism and sedition. Our security forces have set an example of unmatched sacrifice.”
TIES WITH CHINA
The prime minister termed his recent visit to China highly successful. “I congratulate all cabinet members on this. The business conferences held during the visit were productive. I also attended the SCO summit and held bilateral meetings. China has now become both an economic and military power,” he said.
Regarding CPEC Phase II, he said: “The framework for CPEC Phase II — including agriculture, B2B investments, and special economic zones — will be announced soon. China will invest 85%, and Pakistan 15% in these projects. A formal announcement will be made at the next NDRC meeting.”
PARTNERSHIP WITH US
He also noted that “yesterday, MoUs were signed with American companies for mineral extraction. We want strong ties with the US, and also wish to further strengthen our relationship with China. During Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, we installed five LNG plants.”
CONDEMNS ISRAEL
Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned Israel for attacking Qatar. “Yesterday, Israel carried out attack in Qatar. Once again, Israel has shown aggression, which must be condemned in the strongest terms. The massacre of children, women, and the elderly in Palestine continues. I spoke personally with the Emir of Qatar, who thanked Pakistan for its support. The sisters of the martyr told me they also wish to lay down their lives for the country.”
