ISLAMABAD: Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Senator Shibli Faraz has said that the federal cabinet has approved the import of sugar and export of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The information minister was addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
He said that steps are being taken by the government to overcome the artificial shortage of sugar and flour. He said that the cabinet has given the approval for import of sugar which will start arriving in Pakistan from the 7th of the next month.
He said that the prime minister is very concerned over the prices of flour and sugar and the meeting of the concerned committee on prices of daily commodities is being held regularly.
He said the cabinet members presented a standing ovation to Prime Minister Imran Khan over successful completion of two parliamentary years. He said that PM Imran raised the Kashmir issue with courage and bravery in the United Nations (UN).
He said that Pakistan under the PM’s leadership, played an exemplary role in tackling Covid-19 and the NCOC is playing a key role in the anti-coronavirus fight.
He said that the cabinet has given the approval to export masks and indigenously made PPE. He said that the country’s economy, which was hit by the outbreak of a pandemic, is gradually improving.
The information minister said that the way the premier steered the troubled country out of crises is highly commendable.
Faraz said that the federal cabinet has approved the enforcement of the Pakistan Essential Services Act, 1953, on the employees of the Pakistan Television. He said that making PTV a dynamic entity, the government is bringing a new plan for the betterment of Pakistan Television and under which, the problems of PTV pensioners will also be solved.
He also said that a decision was also taken in the cabinet meeting to set up Hajj and Pension Fund. He added that payment of pension to the pensioners is a big issue and the Prime Minister has directed to consult the best experts of the world to resolve this issue.
The information minister said the total pension amount of Rs470 billion is being paid to the retirees of the federal government. He said that the management of public universities is facing a serious issue in payments of pension.
He said that the boards of directors of some companies have been changed whose details will be released soon.
Later, answering a question, Shibli Faraz said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has adopted a step-motherly attitude towards Karachi because the people of Karachi had given full mandate to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He said that all possible steps are afoot to solve the problems of Karachi. He said the solution of the problems of the people of Karachi is the prime responsibility of the present government and PM Imran will visit Karachi soon.
Faraz said that Nawaz Sharif’s ability is nothing but to keep the people in the dark. The federal minister said every good news coming for the country is a bad news for the opposition.
Earlier, addressing the cabinet meeting, the prime minister said that his 24-year long struggle has not ended yet as he has gotten a lot to do for the weak segment of society. “Every weak Pakistani is the central point of our struggle,” he maintained.
“Sparing a thought for the weak segment is true faith,” he said, adding he wants to materialise his vision of turning Pakistan into Medina-like welfare state. He vowed to incorporate the idea of such a state in the national curriculum, for which, he said, he has given instructions to Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood. Initially, a uniform curriculum will be prepared for 8th and 9th-grade students, he pointed out.
The premier said that he achieved success through hard work in difficult times. “Come hell or high water, I will not leave people alone,” he pledged, maintaining that the true objective of his struggle is to improve living standards of commoners.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi apprised the cabinet of the government’s achievements on the diplomatic front and shed light on regional issues, including those related to India. Whereas, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar briefed the meeting about the government’s plans for the country’s growth.
He said that the country is able to curb coronavirus with PM Imran’s successful strategy. He added the premier would play a long innings after having settled at the crease.
