Development Not Possible with Outdated System, Says PM Shahbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan’s development cannot move forward under an outdated system and directed all ministries to adopt an expert-led model aimed at improving governance and efficiency.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the premier stressed the need to engage internationally renowned experts and consultants across all sectors to reform the country’s administrative structure. He said economic progress and national prosperity are only possible through modernizing the system that has governed Pakistan for the past seven decades.

“We must harmonize our outdated structures with the requirements of the modern era. Development is not possible without structural reforms,” the Prime Minister said.

The meeting included a detailed presentation by the Ministry of Power on governance reforms achieved through expert involvement. The Prime Minister praised Federal Minister Sardar Owais Khan Leghari and his team for reducing losses and saving billions of rupees, describing their work as a model for other ministries to follow.

Highlighting Pakistan’s untapped potential, PM Shehbaz said the country’s young workforce remains its most valuable asset. “Talented Pakistanis are representing the nation with distinction around the world,” he said.

He emphasized that the top priority of the government is to transition towards a modern, digital governance system that is transparent and effective.

The Prime Minister announced the formation of a high-level committee to oversee the recruitment of qualified professionals and recommend structural reforms in other ministries. The committee will submit actionable proposals for reorganizing departments, taking inspiration from the Ministry of Power’s success.

According to officials, 134 strategic directives under the National Electricity Plan have already been implemented, and the current working system now includes professionals actively contributing to policy and performance improvement.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervez Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.