ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan asserted on Monday that the armed forces of the country were standing by the manifesto of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which became a reason for the Kartarpur corridor development.
In his first TV interview after assuming charge of the office, the prime minister expressed that the manifesto of his party included cementing ties with its neighbours and Pakistan Army stood by the democratic government. He also clarified that neither it was a googly, nor a bouncer.
‘Governmetn adn armed forces are on the same page,’ highlighted the premier.
Claiming that there could be no war between two nuclear-armed states, the premier affirmed that he takes each and every decision including the ones related to foreign affairs.
The premier expressed that he wishes to have an unprecedented transparent government adding that a person who is afraid tries to conceal information.
He clarified that if any of his ministers do something wrong, he wants them to be exposed.
Early Elections
When the prime minister was asked about South Punjab province and loss of majority in Punjab owing to the same development, he replied that the elections could be held prior to the schedule as well – a respone which stirred laughter.
100-day agenda
Speaking about his 100-day agenda, Khan clarified that even if a bridge is to be constructed that is not completed in 100 days adding that the first 100 days of a government help ascertain its direction only.
“We want such a system in which policies are devised for the lower class. We are bringing health cards to the whole country and working on improving public hospitals,” he highlighted.
The premier – who was confronted by 7 presenters of the country – continued that there exist better education institutes and justice system for elite as the rich can afford good lawyers and can even get away with robbery while the poor can’t get justice in time.
“Likewise for jobs, people from elite institutions secure jobs easily. So, we’re bringing reforms, uniform education systems, then health cards for medical care and legal aid for those who can’t afford,” he added.
Missing Persons
Veteran journalist Hamid Mir asked the premier about the issue of missing persons to which the prime minister asserted that they were ready to help the victims.
‘I arranged a meeting of BNP Mengal chief with General Bajwa, however, Akhther Mengal did not show uo due to some reasons,’ replied the premier.
Eggonomics
Imran Khan also slammed the individuals mocking him for his statement regarding poultry and livestock.
“Bill Gates explained the same thing the next day and people are taking it to be something highly out of the box,” the premier noted.
He stated that halal meat trade was worth $2000 billion worldwide and as Pakistan was a livestock nation, we can make the most of this opportunity area.
Independent Institutions
Khan said his government is not interfering in any institution highlighting that the Interior Ministry and CDA is under his supervision yet they are freely issuing reports against his own residence in Bani Gala, which is unprecedented.
“My govt will not protect anyone from accountability by intervening,” he asserted.
Azam Swati’s Fiasco
The premier clarified that if Azam Swati’s misuse of power is proven, he (swati) will himself resign.
“A joint investigation team (JIT) has been formed by the Supreme Court and it is independent. I have never intervened in this case although I head the department that is investigating Azam Swati,” he added.
The prime minister said his own sister’s name was being discussed with regard to her Dubai property, questioning, “Have I ever interfered in the investigations?”
Current Account Deficit
The incumbent premier pinned blame on former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government for the country’s current account deficit.
“When the PML-N government assumed power, our current account deficit was $2.5 billion but when we came to power, the PML-N left us with a fiscal deficit of $19 billion,” Khan said.
Dollar Hike
The prime minister expressed that the former regime spent $7 billion for maintaining dollar’s value at a certain price and in such a situation, uncertainty rises.
Commenting on rupee’s devaluation over the weekend, he said the State Bank of Pakistan is an autonomous institution adding that the government has asked the SBP to take the regime on board before taking any action.
“This devaluation is a temporary phenomenon. All the KPIs of Pakistan are in a good direction now onwards. We are attracting remittances, we are having huge investments now,” the premier vowed.
He highlighted that the Axxon Group was investing in Pakistan, adding that even China has said they were just loaning us before but now they will also invest through CPEC projects.
The premier asserted that he was focusing on the Chinese model and to utilize local labour, attract investments and increase exports.
Ministers’ Performance
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that all the ministers were reporting their progress, future plans and cost-cutting for the first 100 days, which he will be reviewing this week.
he also hinted at replacing the ministers who are not able to perform well, however, did not name anyone in this regard.
“I am working harder than I have ever done,” the prime minister said.
PM lavishes Praise on Punjab CM Usman Buzdar
The prime minister lauded Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar and said that he was a chief minister Punjab had never seen before.
Throwing weight behind the chief minister on his role in DPO Pakpattan Rizwan Gondal, Khan said there was a complaint against the police officer that he had misbehaved with Bushra Bibi’s daughter.
“Doesn’t the chief executive of a province has the authority to at least summon that officer and ask him about the matter?” he wondered and expressed that he revered the top judge, however, he was a bit saddened over the matter.
This is a developing story…
