ISLAMABAD(National times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced “climate and agriculture emergency” in the country following devastating floods stating that the federal government would play its role, and the provinces must contribute their share. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet here, he said floods have caused widespread destruction across the country. After devastating Punjab, the floodwaters have now entered Sindh. “Pakistan cannot face climate threat alone. Nearly 1,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives, and thousands of acres of crops are underwater in Punjab. The damage to crops must be assessed, and the cabinet should review this,” he added. Relief operations were ongoing for the rehabilitation of flood victims, he said and added that he has assigned responsibilities to the Minister for Climate Change.

ANTI-STATE PROPAGANDA

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that those involved in anti-state propaganda must be annihilated. He paid glowing tributes Major Adnan Aslam who was martyred in a gunfight with terrorists. The premier said he attended his funeral yesterday at the GHQ in Rawalpindi and met his father and sisters who were proud of him. “Major Adnan sacrificed his life for the nation. No one can truly understand what it means to stand in front of guns and artillery. We should be grateful to our armed forces, our martyrs, and our veterans,” he added. The prime minister said his sisters told him that their brother gave his life for a great cause, and they are ready to do the same. “This is the spirit that defines the nation. Major Adnan is not the only one — many soldiers, lance naiks, majors, colonels, and others have written a new chapter in history with their sacrifices, fighting against the enemies of Pakistan. “Today, toxic propaganda is being spread across the country. Institutions are being mocked on social media. We must completely uproot this dangerous conspiracy.” He stressed that those involved — both within Pakistan and abroad — must be identified and eliminated. “We must go to the very end to crush this terrorism and sedition. Our security forces have set an example of unmatched sacrifice.”

TIES WITH CHINA

The prime minister termed his recent visit to China highly successful. “I congratulate all cabinet members on this. The business conferences held during the visit were productive. I also attended the SCO summit and held bilateral meetings. China has now become both an economic and military power,” he said. Regarding CPEC Phase II, he said: “The framework for CPEC Phase II — including agriculture, B2B investments, and special economic zones — will be announced soon. China will invest 85%, and Pakistan 15% in these projects. A formal announcement will be made at the next NDRC meeting.”

PARTNERSHIP WITH US

He also noted that “yesterday, MoUs were signed with American companies for mineral extraction. We want strong ties with the US, and also wish to further strengthen our relationship with China. During Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, we installed five LNG plants.”

CONDEMNS ISRAEL

Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned Israel for attacking Qatar. “Yesterday, Israel carried out attack in Qatar. Once again, Israel has shown aggression, which must be condemned in the strongest terms. The massacre of children, women, and the elderly in Palestine continues. I spoke personally with the Emir of Qatar, who thanked Pakistan for its support. The sisters of the martyr told me they also wish to lay down their lives for the country.”