Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced the enforcement of climate and agriculture emergencies across Pakistan, as the country grapples with devastating monsoon rains and widespread flooding that has badly hit the agricultural sector.

The Federal Cabinet, which met under the prime minister’s chairmanship in Islamabad, approved the move aimed at addressing mounting climate challenges and extending relief to farmers. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, flanked by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, briefed the media after the meeting.

Dr. Chaudhry said provincial stakeholders, including representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will be taken on board through an immediate consultative meeting to ensure effective implementation.

He stressed that the federal government will play its leading role, while other stakeholders will contribute their share.

On the energy front, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that the government has lifted the ban on new gas connections, imposed in 2021, following persistent public demand.

Consumers will now be able to apply for new Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections. He explained that RLNG will be 30 to 35 percent cheaper than imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), bringing much-needed relief to households.

Turning to foreign policy, Dr. Chaudhry hailed PM Shehbaz’s recent “successful” visit to China, noting that Islamabad and Beijing are set to usher in a new era of cooperation across multiple sectors. He also praised the prime minister’s engagement with global leaders, calling it a positive diplomatic breakthrough.

The Cabinet session also paid tribute to Major Adnan Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom while fighting militants. Dr. Chaudhry said the nation stands united with the armed forces in their struggle against terrorism and in safeguarding peace in Pakistan.