Government prioritizes inclusive rural development, says PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the government continues to prioritize inclusive rural development as an essential part of national progress.

In a message marking the World Day for Rural Development on July 6, the prime minister said Pakistan joins the international community in recognizing the contributions of rural populations and reaffirming its commitment to their development. He said villages and farmlands, home to nearly two-thirds of the country’s population, provide food and preserve values of resilience, cooperation, and tradition.

The Prime Minister said the government is working to improve rural livelihoods through investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills training, and environmental sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said the government has made progress in expanding rural road networks, improving access to water and sanitation, empowering women, and promoting climate-smart farming. These efforts aim to ensure no region is left behind.

The prime minister said the government remains committed to supporting rural citizens as equal partners in building a stronger and more balanced economy.