Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the poor performance on the part of the banks in the country’s Hajj operations for this year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chairing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister sought a report from the finance minister regarding complaints about applications of intending pilgrims and banks.

The finance minister will submit the report within a week after determining the people responsible for this mismanagement.

Shehbaz Sharif also directed the minister for religious affairs to ensure the best facilities and arrangements for pilgrims.

The federal cabinet also decided to issue multiple visas for six months to Afghan transporters which will help promote trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Cabinet okays hazardous waste management policy

Later, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, and Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira briefed the media.

The federal cabinet approved the country's first-ever National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, Sherry Rehman, adding that a national action plan for the implementation of the policy will be framed within three months. 

She said the policy will help protect the country's environment by managing the solid waste which is polluting land and water and causing health issues.

She said the policy has been framed after consultation with all provinces so that a country-wide system of responsible disposal of hazardous waste including plastics, hospital waste, and electronic waste can be established.

She said under the policy, a mechanism has also been devised to stop the illegal dumping of foreign solid waste and garbage in the country.

Members bemoan attack on polio team 

The Minister for Information said the cabinet strongly condemned the attack on polio team in Tank, that claimed three lives including two constables. She said the Prime Minister has sought inquiry report of the incident.

She said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has directed to initiate the inquiry and a comprehensive report of the matter will be submitted in the next Federal Cabinet meeting.

Rules under visa regime review for Afghans 

She said Federal Cabinet has also approved new rules under visa regime review for Afghan citizens. Pakistan's consulates all over the world will process the visas of Afghan citizens by considering their current nationality and passport instead of their country of origin.

She said to promote trade with Afghanistan, a sub-category has been included in the work visa category under which drivers, transporters, and helpers have been included in the online visa system. She said for a multiple entry visas, the six months period will be extendable to one year subject to approval by the Ministry of Interior.

The Minister said to promote trade and create ease of doing business in the country, Afghan workers and traders have been exempted from the Board of Investment's recommendation letter and SECP registration requirements.

She said Nadra has been directed to make necessary changes in the online system in this regard and a cabinet sub-committee has also been formed for further ease of doing business.

She said visa regime review also includes relaxation of visa provision for Afghan patients.

Homes for Kashmiri refugees 

He said more than 8000 homes will be constructed in three phases for which the federal government will collaborate with Adviser on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira said the cabinet approved the release of funds for the construction of 1300 homes for Kashmiri refugees in the first phase.

He said more than 8000 homes will be constructed in three phases for which the federal government will collaborate with the Azad Kashmir government. He said these Kashmiri refugees migrated to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan in 1989 fleeing brutal operations of Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.