PM rolls out roadmap to unlock agriculture's growth potential

-- National Agriculture Policy to be finalised with provincial consultation

-- Monthly Agriculture Apex Forum to monitor reform implementation

-- PM orders wider farm financing, AI tools and research-driven innovation

-- New seed, biotechnology and olive policies advance sector modernisation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the early formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces and ordered the establishment of an Agriculture Apex Forum to oversee the implementation of reforms aimed at transforming the country's agriculture sector.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and agricultural reforms, the prime minister said the proposed forum would meet every month to monitor progress on the agriculture innovation and growth plan.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Agriculture Ahmad Umair and senior government officials.

To improve farmers' access to affordable credit, the prime minister directed authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the "Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme."

Highlighting the importance of research and innovation, he instructed that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) be developed into a leading centre for agricultural research and technological advancement.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's agriculture sector had the potential to become a key driver of sustainable economic growth, adding that better-quality seeds, modern farming technologies and the timely availability of water and fertilisers could significantly increase per-acre crop yields.

He also stressed the need to promote value addition in agricultural products, improve warehousing facilities and develop modern storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

During the meeting, officials presented a series of reform proposals and informed the prime minister that the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) was producing multi-grain flour on a pilot basis.

The meeting was also briefed on the development of an artificial intelligence-based application that will help farmers identify and manage crop pests and diseases more effectively.

Officials further informed the prime minister that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited would provide financial support to improve farmers' access to agricultural financing.

The meeting was told that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy had recently been approved, while consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy had been completed and the policy would soon be submitted for approval.

Officials added that consultations were also underway on a National Wheat Policy and several livestock-related policies as part of the government's broader strategy to modernise the agriculture sector.

PM welcomes PIA's First Financial Closing

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday welcomed the First Financial Closing of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) and greeted the nation on this historic milestone in the privatization history of Pakistan.

The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan today achieved the First Closing of the divestment of PIACL through privatisation, transferring management control of the airline to the investor consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited, following satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA).

The successful completion of the First Closing of the PIA privatisation transaction is a moment of real satisfaction for my government and for the people of Pakistan, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It demonstrates that complex, strategic transactions can be delivered transparently, competitively, and on time through team work and “Whole of the Government Approach”.

More importantly, it opens a new chapter for PIA and for our broader economic reform agenda, he added. Today’s milestone achievement sends a strong signal to domestic and international investors: Pakistan is open for business, committed to reform, and ready for growth, said PM Shehbaz Sharif.

With this First Closing, we move closer to reviving PIA to its past glory, said the Prime Minister. The Government remains committed to protecting the interests of employees, passengers and consumers while ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted airline operations. All applicable aviation laws and regulatory oversight will continue to apply.

Prime Minister commended the role and hard work of Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and his dedicated team for this teamwork.

PM also commended the role of Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Advisor on Privatization Muhammad Ali and members of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and Privatisation Commission in making this transaction success۔