Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day with fireworks in Islamabad as jubilant crowds poured into public spaces. During official events, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed concerns regarding India, stating that while Pakistan wants peace, any threats to sovereignty would draw a strong response. He also criticized India for suspending the World Bank-brokered water sharing treaty for the Indus River system.

The final phase of legislative assembly elections commenced in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, despite a boycott call from the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has reportedly secured a majority and is expected to form the regional government after winning 24 of the 34 seats. Elections are proceeding in phases due to security concerns amid historical disputes over the Himalayan region claimed by both India and Pakistan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated the government will complete its five-year term with Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister, while acknowledging the collapse of Pakistan's 80-year-old administrative system and calling for reforms. He highlighted achievements like increased revenue and improved diplomacy but faced criticism from political figures and the PPP, which demanded his resignation.

Pakistan and Iran agreed to keep border crossings open 24/7 to boost trade, aiming for a $10 billion bilateral trade target. They also plan to enhance cooperation in mining and streamline customs procedures.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to attract international investors for the privatization of state-owned power distribution companies (Discos) and complete the restructuring of the Privatisation Commission within a month. Roadshows in Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China to attract investors for Gepco, Fesco, and Iesco were reported as successful.

A writ petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s delay in assenting to a summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding judicial appointments. The petition, led by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary, argues the delay violates constitutional provisions and disrupts judicial administration, citing specific recommendations by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) under Articles 175A and 48 of the Constitution.

Pakistan commemorated Youm-i-Istehsal, marking the 2019 revocation of Kashmir's special autonomy by India. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Kashmiri self-determination, condemning India's 'illegal' actions and calling for a peaceful resolution to the dispute to achieve lasting regional peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to complete the privatisation programme of state-owned enterprises within agreed timelines, emphasizing coordination among ministries. The meeting highlighted progress on privatising Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank, with upcoming deadlines for Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala Electric Supply Companies. Shehbaz stressed maintaining Zarai Taraqiati Bank’s focus on agricultural financing post-privatisation.

A suicide bomber attacked an antimilitant rally in Kabal, Swat Valley, Pakistan, killing at least 14 people, including civilians and police officers, and wounding over two dozen others. The attack occurred during a protest demanding peace and security, with suspicion falling on the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

PPP leader Saeed Ghani accused PML-N of rigging every election they won, citing instances in 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2008, 2013, and 2024. He claimed the PPP was targeted in these elections and emphasized his party's stance against creating new provinces in Sindh while supporting Punjab's requests.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated Pakistan welcomes developments under the Board of Peace for implementing Gaza Peace Plan disarmament. US President Donald Trump announced a phased disarmament agreement for Hamas and armed groups in Gaza, while Pakistan commended mediating countries including the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) for General Syed Aamer Raza, newly appointed Commander of the National Strategic Command. The appointment follows the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which restructured Pakistan’s higher military command and created the NSC to unify strategic forces under a single operational headquarters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a technical audit of power distribution companies' billing systems and emphasized reforms in the power sector. He highlighted the need for smart meters, stricter measures against electricity theft, and performance incentives for top-performing companies, alongside rural solar projects to reduce load-shedding.

Pakistan’s population may reach 400 million by 2040, prompting warnings from Health Minister Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath about the need for public awareness and improved family planning. The government has established a national council to address population growth, with emphasis on maternal and child healthcare, while China and the UN Population Fund provided $2 million in reproductive health aid.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the elimination of unnecessary government positions and institutions to enhance performance and efficiency. The initiative has already closed entities like the Utility Stores Corporation and Pakistan Public Works Department, resulting in cost savings. A third-party audit of abolished posts is mandated, and privatization efforts for state-owned enterprises such as Pakistan International Airlines are underway.

The Pakistani government approved the Brownfield Refining Policy to modernize existing refineries with a $6bn investment, aiming to increase petrol and diesel production while reducing furnace oil output. The policy includes tax incentives, foreign exchange benefits, and energy security measures, requiring refineries to upgrade to Euro-V emission standards.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to increase strategic petroleum reserves, and the cabinet approved amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023. The policy changes aim to upgrade oil refineries to meet energy needs, reduce fuel imports, and provide environment-friendly fuel.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other federal cabinet members received gifts from foreign dignitaries this year, with items deposited in Toshakhana. The government periodically publishes details of these gifts, including records since 2002, though the identities of the gift-givers remain undisclosed. The Cabinet Division emphasized disclaimers about data accuracy and responsibility for errors.

Hospitals in Islamabad are facing a ventilator shortage, with nearly all existing units occupied and financial and staffing challenges exacerbating the crisis. A new block at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) is being established to add 40 ventilators.

Security forces in Pakistan's Balochistan have killed 16 terrorists during Operation Al-Azm, per state media. The operation targets groups linked to 'Fitna al-Hindustan,' a term used to allege India's involvement in regional terrorism. The government reaffirmed commitments to combat terrorism amid rising attacks and kidnappings in the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urges Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan, criticizing the interim Afghan government's inaction. He announced infrastructure projects in Balochistan, including a dual carriageway and solar-powered agricultural projects, and inaugurated the Sky47 AI Cloud facility.

The MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was hijacked by Somali pirates in April 2026, leaving 17-19 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis, in critical condition due to lack of food, water, and medical supplies. The crew's company has provided no assistance, and negotiations for a $3 million ransom remain stalled.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan's largest data center and AI Cloud Sky47 in Islamabad. He praised the facility's rapid construction and collaboration between military and civilian sectors.

Lieutenant General Aamer Raza, chief of general staff of the Pakistan Army, was promoted to four-star general and appointed Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The CNSC role was established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which restructured military command and transferred nuclear management responsibilities from the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Forces under the same amendment.

The Pakistani government plans to reduce the population growth rate from 2.55% to 1.25% by 2035 through a national strategy involving provinces and stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized population control as a critical national challenge and welcomed a Chinese firm's investment to modernize grain storage infrastructure.

The Strait of Hormuz's blockage has shifted attention to Bab al-Mandeb on the Red Sea as a new chokepoint, with Yemen's Houthi militia blocking Saudi ships, prompting Pakistan to condemn the closure and urge de-escalation. Regional tensions risk spreading conflict and harming global commerce.

Pakistan warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels that attacks on its maritime assets would be treated as an attack on the country, reaffirming its defense pact with Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office emphasized vigilance in the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint, while the Prime Minister condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers as violations of international law.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed to attack two Saudi vessels, with one ablaze, and Pakistan warned of self-defense measures if its maritime interests are targeted. The conversation emphasized maintaining regional security and uninterrupted maritime commerce.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan's advancements in indigenous autonomous defense and security systems during the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026. He highlighted the development of 100% locally manufactured simulators and 60% indigenization of drones under the leadership of Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Iran and the United States continue attacks in their 10th day of renewed fighting, with Pakistan attempting to mediate. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked, and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated tensions in the Red Sea, threatening global oil supplies.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and urged all parties to exercise restraint amid escalating regional tensions in the US war on Iran. He emphasized Pakistan's role as a mediator between the US and Iran.

Iran and the U.S. continue attacks in a 10th day of renewed fighting, with Pakistan mediating efforts to salvage a collapsed interim deal. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, targeted civilian infrastructure, and pushed oil prices above $90 a barrel. Iran-backed Houthi rebels also declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched an AI-based digitisation platform called PMOS to replace paper-based processes in the Prime Minister’s Office. The system aims to modernise governance by tracking directives and implementation through AI, with officials directed to adopt digital workflows immediately.

Iran’s interior minister, Eskandar Momeni, met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive a collapsed US-Iran ceasefire. The visit coincides with renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, including strikes and blockades, as well as new conflicts involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain of federal government support for regional development in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and education. The meeting included key ministers and highlighted projects such as a 100-megawatt solar initiative and knowledge schools.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized peace and security as priorities in bilateral relations with Pakistan during a meeting with the newly appointed Pakistani ambassador. Iranian Interior Minister Eskander Momeni is in Islamabad to discuss the US-Iran conflict with Pakistani leaders, as both nations seek to strengthen cooperation amid regional tensions and economic initiatives like the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Pakistan for an official visit, meeting Pakistani officials including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military leaders. The visit occurs amid ongoing US-Iran conflict, with Pakistan mediating efforts to revive a collapsed ceasefire and address attacks on the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the modernization of Pakistan Railways to establish the country as a regional trade and logistics hub. The review meeting outlined progress on infrastructure projects like ML-1 and ML-3 upgrades, the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, and plans for station commercialization and digitization.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in Islamabad for her first official visit since taking office. She met with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss trade, investment, education, and regional issues. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to release Rs40 billion for the completion of Karachi's K-IV water supply project, citing delays and inadequate funding. The project, expected to supply 260 million gallons per day, is now scheduled for completion in December 2029, with only Rs8 billion allocated in the current federal budget.