Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed federal and provincial governments to ensure the availability of essential food items at lower prices during the holy month of Ramazan.

Chairing a federal cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, he emphasised that providing affordable food to the public remains the government’s top priority.

PN Shehbaz directed authorities to devise a comprehensive strategy well in advance to regulate prices and prevent inflationary pressures during the holy month.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial administrations to ensure relief for the common man.

During the meeting, the cabinet approved the appointment of Dr Hassan Al-Amin as Director of the National Institute of Pakistan Studies at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. Officials assured that his selection was made through a transparent and merit-based process.

The cabinet also approved the appointment of Tahira Raza as a non-executive member of the State Bank of Pakistan for a five-year term, based on the finance ministry’s recommendation.

In a significant move, the government endorsed a policy on interfaith harmony and religious tolerance, proposed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

The initiative includes organising dialogues and conferences to promote religious coexistence, raising public awareness, and developing an action plan to safeguard minority rights.

Measures will also be implemented to curb hate speech and sectarian conflicts.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the appointment of Leila Elias Kalpana and Satoonat Kaur as female members of the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

On the economic front, the cabinet authorised the signing of a draft convention between Pakistan and Iraq aimed at eliminating double taxation, curbing tax evasion, and enhancing financial transparency.

Furthermore, the cabinet ratified decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on February 3, 2025, as well as resolutions from meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (February 7) and the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (February 11).