Courted by opposition, Fazl plays host to Shehbaz

PM Shehbaz Meets JUI-F Chief, Orders Expedited SOE Privatisation, Announces National Mourning for Aga Khan

Meeting with Fazlur Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a government delegation on Thursday to meet Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence.

Neither the Prime Minister’s media office nor the JUI-F spokesperson disclosed details of the meeting. However, a joint statement confirmed that national and political matters were discussed.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz inquired about Fazlur Rehman’s health, and the Maulana expressed gratitude for the visit, extending best wishes to the premier. Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar accompanied the PM, while Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman, Maulana Asad Mahmood, and JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghouri represented the party.

Fazlur Rehman had recently criticized the government during a media interaction at Parliament House, warning that governance through the establishment would exacerbate the country’s problems. He insisted that politicians, not individuals, should make key decisions.

“The government should not push matters to a point where politicians are left with no options. The country’s system cannot function if decisions are made by a handful of individuals,” he remarked.

Privatisation Drive Accelerated

Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to accelerate the privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe. He reiterated that the government’s role is to create policies and facilitate investment, not run businesses.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed frustration over financial losses incurred by SOEs.

“I will not allow further losses in entities that are draining Pakistan’s valuable resources. The government’s job is not to manage businesses but to establish policies and provide a conducive environment for investment,” he stated.

Shehbaz instructed officials to expedite the privatisation of designated departments while maintaining transparency. He also emphasized hiring reputable legal experts to eliminate legal hurdles.

“I am personally overseeing the privatisation process, and no delays will be tolerated,” he asserted.

The initiative is part of the government’s ‘Uraan Pakistan’ plan for economic reforms. Officials briefed the PM on a task management system developed to monitor the privatisation process.

The meeting was informed that privatisation would occur in three phases:

• Phase 1: 10 departments
• Phase 2: 13 departments
• Phase 3: Remaining departments

Federal ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, and senior officials attended the meeting.

National Mourning for Aga Khan

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Prince Rahim Aga Khan on Thursday to extend condolences on the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV.

In a social media post, the premier described the late Aga Khan as “a true friend of Pakistan” whose visionary leadership impacted countless lives through contributions to global development, education, health, and humanitarian efforts.

The government has declared Saturday, February 8, 2025, a national day of mourning in Pakistan to honor Aga Khan’s passing, as per a Cabinet Division notification. The national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country on the day.

Earlier, the Gilgit-Baltistan government had already declared three days of mourning in remembrance of the Aga Khan.