PM Imran directs to ascertain those responsible for sugar crisis, gives one week deadline

PM Imran said cabinet members should pay special attention to measures to reduce inflation.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday while expressing resentment for not submitting the investigation report into the sugar crisis gave one week deadline to the concerned officials to submit report.

The prime minister chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet at the PM Office which reviewed 11-point agenda including country’s political and economic situation.

PM Imran Khan while issuing orders to step up efforts to decrease inflation said that the federal cabinet members should pay special attention to measures to reduce inflation.

Addressing a press conference after federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet was briefed on post Coronavirus situation in the country. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari Special Assistant on National Health Dr. Zafar Mirza apprised the cabinet of their talks with parents of Pakistani students in China and steps taken for their welfare.

The special assistant said that the cabinet approved resignation of Chairman BOI Zubair Gilani who gave it on personal reasons.

Dr Firdous further said that the cabinet was updated on the progress so far regarding the report on the shortage of flour and sugar. It was informed that details will be received after a week. Secretary Interior updated the meeting on progress of the committee assigned to probe the issue and DG FIA, the committee convener, apprised the cabinet that available information and forensic audit is required by this committee.

The cabinet approved the granting of powers of Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 to the committee. PM Imran directed to ascertain those who were responsible for the shortage of these commodities.

“The prime minister directed for uniform pay scales of government employees to avoid discrimination,” she said and added Imran Khan assigned the Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh to hold talks with striking employees and also work with central and provincial governments to remove this disparity and both should send proposals to cabinet, so that sense of deprivation among employees is removed. She said people have high expectations from this government and all steps would be taken to ensure it.

She went on to say that the cabinet reiterated its decision not to do trade with India due to its suppression of Muslims in Occupied Kashmir and India. The cabinet endorsed its earlier decision not to export surgical masks keeping in view the Coronavirus situation in the country.

The cabinet was given a briefing by Advisor on Institutional Reforms regarding the reorganization of government departments. The cabinet approved the proposals regarding various ministries and departments.