Shehbaz hails army, privatization commission for landmark IPP deal

July 31, 2025 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the successful outcome of earlier negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which, according to the premier, resulted in savings of billions of rupees for the national exchequer.

During a high-level meeting, the Prime Minister extended special praise to Privatization Commission Chairman Muhammad Ali, the government’s taskforce, and the leadership of the Pakistan Army for their critical role in facilitating the deal.

“These negotiations have already saved the country billions and reflect our commitment to financial discipline and public sector reform,” he stated.

Calling the deal a “benchmark in disciplined governance,” he urged other ministries to emulate this standard of performance.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the Prime Minister also emphasized national unity and unwavering commitment to address the country’s critical challenges ranging from flood devastation and terrorism to power sector reform and international diplomacy.

Expressing sorrow over the recent floods in northern Pakistan, PM Shehbaz noted the severe damage in Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Punjab.

“These floods have left many families shattered. Houses were swept away and lives lost. Our response must be swift and compassionate,” he said, requesting a Fateha for the victims and the martyrs of terrorism.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by officers, soldiers, and civilians in the ongoing war against terror, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, stating, “Peace and stability come at a heavy cost, and our nation stands indebted.”

Turning to the energy sector, he lauded Power Minister Sardar Owais Leghari, Secretary Dr. Fakhre Alam, and their teams for their “revolutionary steps.”

He also noted the dismissal of non-performing distribution companies and the restoration of public confidence. “This is the kind of dedication every ministry must emulate,” PM Shehbaz said.

The Prime Minister also recalled his visit to Lahore Railway Station, which he had last visited in 1993, and praised Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi for modernizing the facility. “It’s now air-conditioned, organized, and dignified a model that should be replicated nationwide,” he added.

On the international front, PM Shehbaz praised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation in the US-France Conference on Gaza at the United Nations, calling Pakistan’s stance clear and principled. “Pakistan raised its voice for Gaza when silence was not an option,” he said.

He revealed that he had directed the NDMA to dispatch two special aid consignments to Gaza through Egypt and Jordan, reiterating Pakistan’s humanitarian commitment.

He further pledged that at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, Pakistan would push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged cabinet members to prioritize outcomes over titles. “Each of you holds my respect, but this is about performance. Nothing succeeds like success, and that’s what Pakistan deserves,” he emphasized

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