Industrial growth key to achieving export-led economy: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing the industrial sector as the backbone of the country’s exports on Thursday, stressed that development of industries was essential to achieving export-led economic growth.

He ordered to finalise the industrial policy at the earliest to increase production and provide sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by industries. He also issued directions to the relevant authorities that the industrial policy be finalised in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

Chairing a meeting on promotion of the industrial sector, the prime minister was informed that the manufacturing sector of the country would be revived through an effective industrial policy.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered for employment of advanced technology to eliminate illegal trade of medicines amid a zero-tolerance policy and called for stringent oversight mechanisms. The PM chaired a high-level meeting on national health affairs, where he lauded the Ministry of National Health Services for its proactive approach under the leadership of Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

In the meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized that providing the best possible healthcare facilities to people remains the government’s top priority. He ordered for formulation of a collaborative roadmap involving welfare organisations and the private sector to improve health services in Islamabad.

Highlighting the importance of international standards, PM Shehbaz encouraged Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to seek accreditation from the World Health Organisation (WHO), stating it would not only enhance the quality of local medicines but also open doors to export opportunities.

The PM also underscored that there can be no compromise on the quality of medical education and ordered for the third-party validation of all medical colleges in Pakistan. He further instructed for a comprehensive review of the nursing sector to strengthen its capacity and service delivery.

During the briefing, officials informed the PM that the entire process for registering medicines and medical devices is being fully digitised and will be completed by the end of next month. Moreover, the registration timeline is being reduced from one year to just three months.

Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif Thursday directed the authorities concerned to ensure transparency in all phases of Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre to be constructed in the federal capital. While chairing a meeting to review progress on the project, he said that Jinnah Medical Complex would be a state-of-the-art hospital equipped with the best medical facilities and advanced medical research equipment to serve the entire region.

PM Shehbaz also congratulated the administration, teachers and students of three Pakistani schools for securing a place among the world’s top 10 community-driven schools in the world’s best school prizes 2025. Among the Pakistani schools that earned the distinction are Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust Higher Secondary School, Lahore, Beaconhouse College Programme (Juniper Campus), Quetta, and Nordic International School, Lahore. PM Shehbaz Sharif also praised the performance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Minister for successfully organising the Haj operations this year. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf and Secretary Religious Affairs Attaur Rehman called on the prime minister here at the Prime Minister’s Office, a news release said.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Nadeem Abbas Rebaira, Anwarul Haq Chaudhry, Muhammad Shehbaz Babar, Ahmad Atiq Anwar, and Rana Iradat Sharif here at the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Shehbaz Sharif also held a farewell meeting with the outgoing Country Director of the World Bank in Pakistan Najy Benhassine.