According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shahbaz Sharif, while addressing a federal cabinet meeting on Thursday, paid tribute to all the personalities, scientists, politicians, and institutions who made Pakistan’s defence impregnable and helped the country emerge as a nuclear state.

He said that all governments had played a role in achieving Pakistan’s nuclear capability, adding that the country’s atomic programme was meant for defensive purposes and not aggression.

The prime minister stated that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, while former prime minister Nawaz Sharif took it to its logical conclusion by conducting nuclear tests.

He said May 28 would always be remembered in history as the day Pakistan emerged before the world as a nuclear power, gaining a defence capability that remains a vital national asset.

Referring to Marka-e-Haq, the prime minister said its first anniversary was celebrated in a befitting manner on May 10. He added that the historic success was achieved through the blessings of Allah Almighty, national unity, and cohesion.

Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces taught the enemy a lesson with courage and bravery that would be remembered forever.

The premier also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism, saying Pakistan was making extraordinary efforts to eliminate terrorism.

He appreciated the teamwork of cabinet members over the past two years in improving the country’s economy despite challenges.

Fateha was also offered during the meeting for the martyrs of the war against terrorism.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on housing sector reforms, where he stressed the need for immediate and organised measures to address rising housing demands due to rapid population growth.

He said reforms in the housing sector had become a national necessity, while providing affordable housing to low-income groups remained one of the government’s key priorities.

The prime minister said the government was focusing on affordable housing schemes, private sector participation, and improved urban facilities, adding that better urban planning was also a major part of government policy.

During the meeting, he directed authorities to digitise and automate all housing sector processes to improve transparency and efficiency. He also emphasised the need for a stronger regulatory framework to attract investment and improve governance.

Officials informed the meeting that proposals under consideration included mandatory registration of developers with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, establishment of a one-window system, prevention of unplanned urban expansion, and preparation of master town planning frameworks for major cities.

The prime minister directed that further consultations be held with provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the proposals.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarrar, Rana Sana Ullah, Talal Chaudhry and other senior officials.