ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The federal cabinet on Monday unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their prudent and visionary leadership. The resolution commended their efforts in elevating Pakistan’s international profile and effectively safeguarding national interests on the global stage.

Strategic Defence Developments

The cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, identified the signing of the landmark joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye as a pivotal diplomatic achievement. Members of the cabinet highlighted that this accord represents a significant move toward fostering enhanced unity and consensus within the Muslim Ummah.

National Housing Policy 2026

The federal cabinet officially approved the National Housing Policy 2026, alongside its comprehensive implementation framework. Developed by a task force comprising both national and international experts, the policy follows extensive consultations with provincial governments, federal ministries, and strategic development partners. The initiative aims to provide sustainable, secure, and high-quality housing solutions for all citizens. To promote optimal land usage, the cabinet mandated strict adherence to zoning regulations and prioritized vertical housing development. Furthermore, new projects are required to incorporate energy efficiency codes to ensure environmentally friendly construction. Regarding the Prime Minister’s ‘Apna Ghar’ scheme, the cabinet was informed that banks have approved loans totaling Rs 220 billion, with over Rs 32 billion already disbursed to eligible applicants.

Investment and Information Security

In a move to strengthen international economic cooperation, the cabinet approved the withdrawal of the notice regarding the termination of the 1981 Bilateral Investment Treaty between Pakistan and Sweden. Additionally, the Ministry of Information Technology presented the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF 2026). Formulated under the CERT Rules 2023, the framework seeks to establish a unified system of baseline standards for information security. The cabinet endorsed the PISF 2026 as a foundational document for national cyber security and emphasized the need for its timely and effective execution.

Energy and Legislative Approvals

The cabinet ratified decisions finalized during the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) meeting held on July 28. This includes amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, designed to upgrade domestic oil refineries to meet national energy requirements more efficiently. Furthermore, the cabinet ratified decisions from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meetings dated July 27 and August 4, alongside those from the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCLC) meeting held on July 24.