ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed serious concern over delays and negligence in implementing directives issued by his office and ordered federal ministries and departments to ensure strict compliance.
The Prime Minister’s Office conveyed the instructions to around 41 federal secretaries and heads of departments, stressing that decisions taken by the premier must be implemented promptly and in their true spirit.
The directions followed the identification of serious shortcomings in the implementation of a directive by a federal ministry. Although the ministry was not named in official correspondence, a government official said the matter was linked to the import of betel nuts and the role of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of National Food Security.
Officials said unauthorised changes had allegedly been made to regulations governing betel nut imports. They also pointed to discrepancies between a notification issued on October 17, 2025, and a draft approved by the Ministry of National Food Security in September.
The PM’s Office criticised the lack of adequate diligence, follow-up and coordination, saying such lapses could weaken government efforts to improve governance and ensure timely decision-making.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal secretaries to focus on achieving the actual objectives of government decisions rather than simply completing paperwork and procedural requirements.
The ministries have been instructed to ensure timely implementation, proper follow-up, effective coordination and due diligence while carrying out directives issued by the prime minister.
