ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet ratified the Kuwait defence agreement on Wednesday, alongside decisions on new currency notes and administrative powers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan and Kuwait signed the agreement on June 11, 2023. Kuwait subsequently ratified it on July 19, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The agreement aims to strengthen defence cooperation and institutional links between the armed forces of both countries.
Separately, the cabinet approved transferring powers delegated to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
The decision covers routine administration during the emergency and the governor’s rule imposed in the province on October 11.
Kundi must submit a monthly report to the federal government detailing how he exercises those powers. The cabinet also approved new currency note designs on the Ministry of Finance’s recommendation.
Artists and designers had submitted proposals, which a cabinet committee reviewed after consulting stakeholders. The new banknotes will feature stronger safeguards against counterfeiting.
More durable materials will also extend their lifespan. Ministers approved replacing the Rs10 banknote with an Rs10 coin.
Read: Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Pact Talks Link Security, Energy
Meanwhile, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, including engagement with Iran and regional partners.
Read: Kuwait Lifts 19-Year Visa Ban for Pakistani Citizens, Opens Opportunities
“Pakistan is playing its role as before in restoring peace in the region,” he said. The prime minister also announced that the federal government had finalised a proposed Rs160 billion package for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On domestic energy costs, Sharif said the fuel subsidy scheme launched in September had cost Rs28 billion so far. He confirmed that the program would continue until the end of December.
