Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in view of the monsoon rains and flood situation, has announced to enforce climate and agriculture emergencies across the country. The Federal Cabinet, which met in Islamabad today, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair approved the enforcement of climate and agriculture emergencies to address growing climatic challenges and support farmers affected by the severe flooding that has impacted the agricultural sector. This was stated by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry during a media talk in Islamabad today, alongside Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that cooperation from all provincial stakeholders, including those from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will be essential in implementing these measures. A meeting with these stakeholders will immediately be convened to coordinate efforts. He said the Federal Government will play its due role and other stakeholders will contribute their part to address these challenges. Speaking on the occasion, Ali Pervaiz Malik said that on the persistent public demand, the government has also decided to lift ban on new Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) based gas connections. He said there had been a ban on new gas connections since 2021. He added that both gas companies have been asked to seek applications for new gas connections from the consumers. The Petroleum Minister said RLNG will be thirty to thirty-five percent cheaper than the imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), providing significant relief to consumers. He said consumers, who have already applied for the gas connections, will have the option to switch their connection to RLNG. They will deposit their security fee as per decision of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. Ali Pervez Malik assured that efforts are underway to enhance local gas production to reduce dependence on RLNG in future and to ensure more affordable energy for the public. Talking about recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Islamabad and Beijing are going to start a new era of cooperation in diverse fields. He said the Prime Minister also interacted with the world leaders in a conducive and friendly manner, which is a great achievement on the diplomatic front. Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the cabinet also paid rich tribute to the sacrifice of Major Adnan Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom, while fighting the Fitna al-Khwarij. He said the entire nation is firmly standing behind their valiant forces in fighting these Khwarij and foes of the peace of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz Declares Countrywide Agriculture and Climate Emergency
