ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated the government’s firm commitment to reviving Pakistan’s agriculture and power sectors through sustainable reforms, tax relief, and public-private partnerships aimed at ensuring long-term economic stability.
Chairing two high-level meetings in Islamabad, the prime minister described the agriculture sector as the backbone of the national economy and directed authorities to reduce taxes on agricultural machinery and tools to promote mechanisation. He also ordered accelerated efforts to expand storage capacity for agricultural produce.
“No new taxes will be imposed on fertilisers or pesticides in the upcoming budget,” PM Shehbaz assured, reaffirming the government’s resolve to keep input costs low for farmers. He expressed optimism that agriculture students and scientists currently on scholarships in China would return as entrepreneurs, contributing to sectoral growth.
The meeting reviewed the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan, which targets higher per-acre yields, improved infrastructure, and expanded access to agri-loans. It also noted that 129 agriculture start-ups have already launched under the National Technology Fund’s Ignite project to spur innovation in farming.
Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain and Dr. Musadik Malik, along with key government officials and private sector representatives, attended the agriculture-focused session.
Power Sector Reforms Also in Focus
Later, in a separate session on energy reforms, the prime minister underscored that public relief and uninterrupted electricity for industries are top government priorities. He reviewed progress on the privatisation of loss-making generation companies (Gencos), smart meter installations, renewable energy promotion, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
PM Shehbaz directed authorities to fast-track the second and third phases of Genco privatisation, with full transparency ensured through live broadcasts of the process. He called for swift implementation of smart meter and grid improvement projects to enhance efficiency and reduce losses.
He announced the successful solarisation of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan and ordered the expedited privatisation of electricity distribution companies, along with the nationwide rollout of EV charging stations.
Officials informed the meeting that the first phase of Genco privatisation generated Rs9.05 billion in revenue, while negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are projected to save the national exchequer Rs3.69 trillion through tariff reductions.
PM Shehbaz noted that electricity tariffs remained stable during the past winter and reaffirmed the government’s focus on completing low-cost, eco-friendly renewable energy projects to provide sustainable relief to consumers.
Story by Syed Irfan Raza
