Cabinet endorses political dialogue, PIA privatisation, and key reforms

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, met on Tuesday and issued an official communiqué outlining a series of policy decisions and legislative approvals, while reiterating the government’s commitment to political dialogue, national stability and economic reform.

Addressing the cabinet, the prime minister said the government remained firmly committed to engaging all political parties in dialogue to promote national development and political harmony. He noted that he had personally extended offers of dialogue to all political forces on multiple occasions. Emphasising internal security, PM Shehbaz said attempts to disrupt law and order would not be allowed to succeed.

The prime minister also assured the cabinet that the government was taking all possible steps to ensure a transparent privatisation process for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He further congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s victory in the Under-19 Cricket Championship.

During the meeting, the cabinet gave in-principle approval to amendments to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Ordinance and approved the repeal of the National University for Security Sciences Islamabad Bill 2025. It also formed a committee to review private members’ bills and other legislative business in the National Assembly, while endorsing decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy 2025, aimed at promoting the use of plant-based resources in the pharmaceutical and textile sectors. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior, it also approved a new visa clearance system designed to make the process of obtaining transparent visas easier for Pakistanis travelling abroad.