Islamabad: The Federal Cabinet has approved a series of significant policies aimed at enhancing national capabilities in vaccine production, agriculture, skills development, and seed production. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, underscored the government’s commitment to reducing import dependency and bolstering self-sufficiency.

According to Radio Pakistan, the cabinet’s decision to initiate vaccine production policies includes the establishment of a special committee under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to oversee pricing and quality control. This move is expected to conserve foreign exchange and elevate domestic vaccine manufacturing capabilities.

In addition, the cabinet approved the National Skills Development Policy, designed to align workforce skills with industrial demands and global standards. Collaboration between federal and provincial governments, along with private sector involvement, is anticipated to play a crucial role in the policy’s implementation.

The cabinet also sanctioned the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy, targeting national food security and increased agricultural yield through advanced research and strategies. Complementing this is the National Seed Policy 2025, which aims to empower farmers and enhance production by fostering partnerships with international seed companies.

The meeting further addressed educational staffing by approving the appointment of teachers as visiting faculty under the Federal Directorate of Education’s new regulations, following the Supreme Court’s guidelines. Additionally, the cabinet reviewed the annual reports of NEPRA and the State of Industry for 2025.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the government’s management of global petroleum price challenges and updated the cabinet on diplomatic initiatives to ease tensions in the Middle East.