The federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reviewed a range of policy, economic and security matters, including the redesign of Pakistan’s currency notes, Hajj policy reforms and the country’s response to terrorism.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Finance briefed the cabinet on the new design of banknotes to be issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The cabinet was informed that the currency notes are being developed in line with modern requirements, and that the services of international experts have been hired for the purpose. A cabinet committee was formed to further examine and consider the proposed designs.
The cabinet also directed that the draft Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030, submitted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, be referred to the Hajj Policy Committee.
The policy pertains to the registration and verification of private Hajj operator companies through a third-party mechanism and will be reviewed in light of opinions expressed by cabinet members.
In addition, the cabinet ratified the decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Energy in its meeting held on December 24, 2025, as well as the decisions approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Federal Cabinet on December 23, 2025.
The meeting strongly condemned recent acts of terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a special address to the cabinet, highlighting terrorist activities allegedly linked to India in Balochistan.
The cabinet paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and security personnel in the fight against terrorism.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the prime minister stated that operations against terrorists and their facilitators would continue until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country
