ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving economic development, asserting that a robust public-private partnership was essential for the country’s emergence as a strong global economy.
Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with presidents of chambers of commerce from across the nation, coinciding with the government’s announcement to present the next federal budget on June 10.
The government has consistently stressed the need for the private sector to lead in strengthening the national economy, assuring it of state support.
Sharif reiterated this stance, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between the government and private enterprises in the country.
“There is a need to mobilize the private sector to achieve economic self-reliance,” the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying during the meeting.
“Protecting the rights of the Pakistani business community and providing them with a conducive environment for profitable business are among the top priorities of the government,” he continued.
Sharif also pledged to reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan, noting that measures were being implemented to facilitate access to loans and reduce electricity prices.
Addressing tax compliance, he emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward tax evasion. Pakistan has historically one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the region.
The government has tried to addressed the situation by reforming its tax collection body through increased automation to improve collection and compliance.
The official statement said the delegation of business leaders commended the government’s economic policies, citing gradual improvements in the national economy and business environment.
They also presented budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.
Pakistan is scheduled to release a comprehensive economic survey for the outgoing fiscal year on June 9, only a day ahead of the budget preparation.
PM Sharif tells business leaders private sector key to economy ahead of June 10 budget
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PM Sharif tells business leaders private sector key to economy ahead of June 10 budget
- The prime minister assures chambers of commerce representatives of his administration’s full support
- He promises to reduce cost of doing business in the country, highlights zero tolerance for tax evasion
Pakistan reports decline in polio cases in 2025
- Cases drop to 30 from 74 in 2024, with no new infections recorded since September
- Authorities plan intensified targeted drives in 2026 to halt remaining transmission
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reported a sharp decline in polio cases in 2025, with infections falling to 30 from 74 a year earlier, as intensified vaccination campaigns and improved surveillance helped curb the spread of the virus, health authorities said on Wednesday.
No new polio cases have been recorded anywhere in the country since September, said a statement, as Pakistan carried out six polio campaigns, including five nationwide drives, trying to reach children in high-risk areas and improve monitoring of virus circulation.
Despite the decline, the authorities cautioned that poliovirus continues to circulate in some districts, requiring sustained vigilance to prevent a resurgence.
“Targeted interventions, robust community engagement, and ongoing vaccination efforts remain essential to reach every missed child and prevent any resurgence,” the official statement said.
“Frontline health workers, security personnel, and local authorities continue to work in close coordination to maintain high immunity levels and ensure that Pakistan remains on course toward becoming polio-free,” it added.
The most recent nationwide campaign, conducted from Dec. 15 to 21, achieved more than 98 percent coverage across the country, including all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the capital, Islamabad.
Authorities reported an 18 percent reduction in the number of missed children compared with the previous round, with notable improvements in access and operations in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a longstanding challenge area.
Pakistan’s polio eradication drive relies on close coordination between health workers, security personnel and local authorities, amid ongoing resistance in some communities and access constraints in remote or insecure regions.
Officials said district-specific interventions, including improved microplanning, better deployment of vaccination teams and enhanced community outreach, were being used to address remaining gaps, particularly in parts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The statement said Pakistan plans to intensify targeted efforts in 2026 to interrupt the remaining transmission chains and move closer to eliminating the disease.
