A meeting of the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was held today at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The cabinet discussed and approved several important decisions, including extensions for foreign pilot licenses, reforms in the Toshakhana system, and changes to regulatory and administrative frameworks.
The cabinet approved an amendment to the Rules of Business 1973, transferring the responsibility for the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 from the Ministry of IT to the Ministry of Interior.
The federal cabinet approved a two-year extension for the validation of licenses of 86 foreign pilots currently working in Pakistan, as recommended by the Cabinet Division. Additionally, a three-year extension was approved for the foreign validation of new pilots joining in 2025. The Prime Minister was informed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on Pakistani pilots in recent years, local airlines had to rely on foreign pilots. The implementation of this decision will follow all necessary legal procedures.
To bring greater transparency to the Toshakhana system, the Prime Minister formed a committee under the leadership of Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to review the Toshakhana Act 2024. The committee will propose reforms to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of state gifts.
The cabinet approved the rules and regulations for the appointment of the chairman and members of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority, as recommended by the Cabinet Division.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the cabinet also approved the appointment of Dr. Ammar Habib Khan as Member Finance of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Appellate Tribunal.
The Prime Minister directed the formation of a committee to expedite the restructuring of the Utility Stores Corporation and ensure effective oversight of the process. He also emphasized the need for a new and efficient strategy to deliver the Prime Minister’s Relief Package to deserving beneficiaries.
The federal cabinet endorsed the decisions made during the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meetings held on January 6, 2025, and January 17, 2025.
