PM says Pakistan, Azerbaijan are brotherly nations as ties grow stronger

• Premier Shehbaz conveys warm greetings to President Ilham Aliyev, recalls recent talks

• Reviews legal and judicial cooperation with visiting Azerbaijani minister, terming bilateral ties ‘brotherly’ and strengthening steadily

• PM stresses digitisation, transparency and reforms in housing sector, prioritizing affordable housing, private sector role and urban planning

• Forms Cabinet committee to resolve wheat trade issues nationwide

• Hajj 2027–2030 policy reforms approved with accountability mechanism

• Low-cost housing project in Farash Town handed over to CDA for execution

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday conveyed his warm greetings to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, reaffirming that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are brotherly nations whose bilateral relations continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Justice Minister Farid Turab Oglu Ahmadov, who called on him in Islamabad. The premier also fondly recalled his recent telephone conversation with President Ilham Aliyev earlier this week.

The Minister of Justice of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Farid Turab Oglu Ahmadov, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the visiting Minister and said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are brotherly… pic.twitter.com/omL4p2RF2B

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

The prime minister was assisted during the meeting by Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

During the “warm and cordial” meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting minister and said that Pakistan–Azerbaijan relations were advancing steadily across multiple spheres.

Islamabad : H.E. Mr. Farid Turab Oglu Ahmadov, Justice Minister of Azerbaijan calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/q93eudhUxi

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

The Azerbaijani justice minister thanked the government of Pakistan for its hospitality and warm reception.

He briefed the prime minister on ongoing cooperation between the two countries in legal and judicial fields, particularly efforts to strengthen mutual legal assistance mechanisms and enhance capacity building of judicial institutions in both countries.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے آذربائیجان کے وزیر انصاف جناب فرید تراب اوغلو احمدوف نے اسلام آباد میں ملاقات کی

اپنی گرمجوش اور دوستانہ ملاقات کے دوران وزیراعظم نے آزری وزیر کا خیرمقدم کیا۔ انہوں نے آذربائیجان کے صدر عزت مآب الہام علییوف کے لیے اپنی نیک خواہشات کا اظہار کیا اور صدر… pic.twitter.com/kzZcK9j8bj

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

The prime minister appreciated the progress made by both sides and expressed his desire to meet President Ilham Aliyev soon to further expand bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

PM calls for comprehensive housing reforms and sector digitalisation

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan’s housing sector, noting that rapid population growth and unplanned urban expansion were increasing pressure on agricultural land and required a long-term strategic response.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کا اجلاس

وفاقی کابینہ نے وزارتِ داخلہ و انسداد منشیات کی سفارش پر فراش ٹاؤن، اسلام آباد میں اسلام آباد کی کچی آبادیوں کے مکینوں کے لیے کم قیمت (low cost) ہاؤسنگ منصوبہ کی تعمیر و ترقی وفاقی ترقیاتی ادارے (CDA) کے سپرد کرنے کی… pic.twitter.com/CiTWjc8gnn

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

Chairing a high-level review meeting on housing sector reforms, the prime minister said that providing affordable housing to low-income groups, promoting low-cost housing schemes, encouraging private sector participation, and improving public amenities remained key government priorities, according to a PM Office statement.

He directed authorities to digitise and automate all housing-related processes to improve transparency, efficiency and governance.

The prime minister further said that bringing the housing sector under a proper regulatory framework was essential to attract overseas investors and ensure sustainable growth in the real estate and construction sectors.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت ہاؤسنگ کے شعبے میں اصلاحات کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کو ہاؤسنگ سیکٹر میں اصلاحات کے حوالےسے تجاویز پیش کی گئیں۔ ہاؤسنگ کے شعبے میں شفافیت لانے کے حوالے سے معتبر سرمایہ کاروں اور ڈویلپرز کو سہولیات کی فراہمی کے حوالے سے ریگیولیٹری فریم… pic.twitter.com/aLRkR1EoM7

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

During the meeting, officials presented proposals aimed at structural reforms in the housing sector, including simplifying the regulatory framework to facilitate credible investors and developers and enhance transparency in housing projects.

It was also proposed that registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) be made mandatory for all housing and development sector entities.

Participants further suggested measures to curb unplanned urban sprawl and promote vertical expansion, including high-rise construction in major cities to ensure efficient land use.

The meeting also discussed proposals for master urban planning in major cities and the establishment of a one-window system to safeguard the interests of developers, buyers and other stakeholders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that consultations be held with provincial governments on the proposed reforms and policy measures.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman NAB Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmad Butt, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and senior officials.

Cabinet takes key decisions on wheat trade, Hajj policy and housing project

During the cabinet meeting, the prime minister took notice of issues in wheat buying and selling across the country and constituted a cabinet committee to address the matter.

The cabinet also reviewed recommendations of the committee formed to examine the Hajj Policy 2027–2030 prepared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. Approving the recommendations, the federal cabinet directed the development of an accountability mechanism for the ministry and private Hajj operators to safeguard pilgrims’ rights.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت وفاقی کابینہ کا اجلاس

اجلاس میں وفاقی کابینہ نے ملک بھر میں گندم کی خریدو فرخت کے حوالے سے درپیش مسائل کا نوٹس لیتے ہوئے معاملے پر کابینہ کمیٹی تشکیل دے دی۔ اور وفاقی کابینہ نے کمیٹی کی سفارشات کی منظوری دیتے ہوئے ہدایات دیں کہ وزارت مذہبی… pic.twitter.com/Fwt4Tnc1Tj

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 14, 2026

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the cabinet approved handing over the construction and development of a low-cost housing project in Farash Town, Islamabad, for residents of informal settlements (kachi abadis) to the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

On the recommendation of the Revenue Division, the cabinet approved conducting departmental promotion examinations for Pakistan Customs officers, including Inspectors, Intelligence Officers, Preventive Officers, Appraising Officers and Valuation Officers, through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

The cabinet also approved decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases held on April 29, 2026, while directing that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) be consulted regarding amendments to the Tobacco Marketing Control Rules, 2016.