Corruption is a poison that ruined institutions: Dr Firdous

Dr Firdous said that issue of the medical condition of Nawaz Sharif is being misused by PML-N.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday said that the corruption is a poison that ruined the country s institutions.

Addressing a press conference along with Federal Minister for Law Firogh Naseem after federal cabinet meeting, she said that the government doesn’t need to give poison to any political opponent, adding that their corruption itself is a poison for them.

The special assistant condemned the language used during press conference of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders against her saying statements laden with conspiracy theories will not serve the narrative of PML-N.

Dr Awan said the issue of the medical condition of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being misused by members of his party.

She went on to say that the narrative of opposition parties that foreign investment to the country has declined due to crackdown on corruption is wrong. Rather, it is a welcoming sign that serious action is being taken against corruption.

The SAPM expressed confidence that the government would complete its tenure of five years. She said opposition should rather give suggestions to treasury benches to improve the working of parliament in order to take the country forward.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the authorities concerned to take steps for making sure the availability of items of daily use to people at affordable prices, adding that the cabinet was briefed that a pilot project in this regard is being launched in the federal capital to ensure direct contact between farmers and general public and abolishing the role of middleman.

She said this will help people to get various items at affordable rates. She said the cabinet gave an approval to a proposal to provide National Accountability Bureau the required record by establishment division.

The cabinet also accorded approval to proposal of armed forces for installation of solar power products at various installations and establishments of army on BoT basis.

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said cabinet gave approval to disburse loans of 5 billion rupees without interest in Naya Pakistan Housing Program. The loans from one hundred thousand to one million rupees will be given without any interest. This will benefit five hundred thousand to one million people. The payment schedule is from 1 to 4 years and preference will be given to widows.

The cabinet also approved an agreement regarding codal formalities of the agreement signed regarding visitors to Kartarpur Corridor.

The Prime Minister was briefed by various ministries on measures taken to facilitate the common man. Ministry of Communication apprised the meeting that it is engaging 35,000 youth for internships.

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet also approved Kartarpur Corridor agreement between Pakistan and India to facilitate Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib shrine in Pakistan. She said Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the corridor on 9th of the next month on the eve of 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

Establishment Division informed that it is considering a proposal to make it mandatory for promotions of civil servants that what steps they have taken to facilitate people during their tenure at a place.

Ministry of Narcotics Control informed that it has initiated an app to spread awareness on drug abuse and narcotics. Ministry of Human Rights informed that it is launching an awareness campaign regarding abuse of children at various places.

The Prime Minister appreciated the steps that are being taken to bring improvements in the life of people. The cabinet approved appointment of Board of Directors of Trust for Voluntary Organizations as part of its restructuring. It gave approval to appointment of Board of Directors of Interstate Gas Systems Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem said the succession certificate will be issued within fifteen to twenty days and the process will be carried out through finger prints.

He said the identity of the whistle blower will be kept in secret and full protection will be ensured in this regard. He said if any recovery will be made, up to twenty percent of the recovered amount will be given to the whistle blower.

He said the cabinet has also approved several laws aimed at public interest including the concept of speedy justice. He said until the living standard of a common man will not be uplifted by providing speedy justice, status quo cannot be changed.