ISLAMABAD – August 10, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a pivotal meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad today, where key policy decisions spanning housing, defence, information security, and energy were approved.

The cabinet commenced proceedings by unanimously adopting a resolution commending the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The resolution lauded their efforts in elevating Pakistan’s global standing and effectively safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests. It also hailed the signing of the historic joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye as a landmark diplomatic and defence achievement, describing it as a significant step toward fostering unity and solidarity within the Ummah.

National Housing Policy 2026 Approved

In a major development, the cabinet gave its formal approval to the National Housing Policy 2026, along with a comprehensive action plan for its implementation. The cabinet was informed that the policy was formulated by a working group comprising national and international experts, with extensive consultations carried out with federal ministries, provincial governments, and development partners.

The primary objective of the policy is to ensure sustainable, secure, and quality housing for all citizens. The cabinet directed strict compliance with zoning regulations in all housing projects and emphasized prioritizing vertical housing (high-rise development) to ensure efficient land utilization. Additionally, the cabinet mandated the integration of energy efficiency codes as an essential component of the policy, ensuring that new constructions align with eco-friendly and energy-saving standards.

Progress on "Apna Ghar" Scheme

The cabinet was also briefed on the progress of the Prime Minister’s "Apna Ghar" (Own Home) scheme. It was revealed that banks have approved loans amounting to Rs. 220 billion for aspiring homeowners, while over Rs. 32 billion has already been disbursed to successful applicants.

Termination of Bilateral Investment Treaty with Sweden Withdrawn

Acting on a summary presented by the Board of Investment, the cabinet approved the withdrawal of the earlier notice to terminate the bilateral investment treaty signed between Pakistan and Sweden in 1981.

Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 Endorsed

The Ministry of Information Technology presented the draft of the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF 2026) to the cabinet. Developed under the CERT Rules 2023, the framework aims to establish a comprehensive and unified system of baseline information security standards and ensure centralized oversight. The cabinet approved the PISF 2026, terming it a crucial guiding document for cybersecurity, and directed that its implementation be ensured effectively within the stipulated timeframe.

Ratification of Energy and Economic Decisions

The federal cabinet ratified decisions made during the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) meeting held on July 28, which approved proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023. These amendments facilitate the upgrading of oil refineries to better meet the country’s energy requirements.

Furthermore, the cabinet endorsed the decisions taken during the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meetings held on July 27 and August 4. The cabinet also ratified the decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCLC) from its meeting held on July 24.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to implementing these policies in a timely and effective manner for the benefit of the public and the nation's strategic stability.