PTI leaders apprise nation of govt's achievements in two years

PTI leaders apprise nation of government's performance in two years.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Tuesday addressed a press conference on completion of the government’s two years to apprise the nation of its achievements, Dunya News reported.

The leaders comprised Information Minister Shibli Faraz, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar, Adviser to the PM on Finance Dr. Hafeez Shaikh and Special Assistan to the PM on Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar.

Information Minister Shibli Faraz

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Shibli Faraz said PM Imran Khan’s vision is accountability, justice, merit and progress of the underprivileged class. The enemies want to harm us in every possible manner, spread hopelessness and chaos in the country but our struggle will succeed us, the minister said.

“The role of information ministry is important in highlighting the government’s performance. One purpose of politics is to create a welfare state; however, its other agenda is to protect personal interests.

“The premier wants to take the country towards progress. PTI differentiated between right and wrong politics under the leadership of Imran Khan. Politics had been made a profession and public has rejected it.”

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan foiled Indian ploy to isolate Islamabad diplomatically, highlighted the Kashmir issue across the globe, made policy to maintain strong relationships with friend countries and worked for Afghanistan peace process. The foreign minister termed the aforementioned achievements as Pakistan’s big success.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “We have to remain aware of the intentions of our arch-rival – India. Good relations with neighboring countries are a part of our foreign policy. Relations of China, Nepal and Bangladesh with India are in front of all. All of the South Asian countries are victims of India’s expansionist approach.

“PM Imran Khan always stressed that peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved through political solution and the entire world is saying the same today. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acknowledged Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process. Islamophobia exists across the world today.

“Coronavirus has changed the global scenario and PM Imran Khan talked about waiving of loans in such circumstances.

“Imran Khan raised the Kashmir issue on international level and it was discussed thrice in one year in the Security Council against India’s wish. The premier’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly last year should be compared with the former governments.

“Reforms were made in the foreign ministry including eVisa and ‘FM Direct’ app. All ambassadors are directly in touch with me through the application.”

Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar

Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said the bad news for the opposition is that the skipper has settled at the crease now and is ready to play a long innings. The premier will not give NRO to anyone and his government proved that it takes all on same page for the national interests.

Asad Umar said, “Allegations of incompetence are leveled on the incumbent regime, it is said that Imran Khan does not work together with others. It is true that Imran Khan will not collaborate with anyone to give them NRO. He has become the prime minister after 22 years of struggle and is determined to serve the country for a long term.

“Coronavirus was the biggest challenge of this century which proved to be a disaster for health as well as economy. Bill Gates also praised Pakistan’s steps against the pandemic and also compared it with India. Pakistan’s strategy against COVID-19 was appreciated by the world.

“Coronavirus fatalities are occurring twenty times in Iran, twelve times more in India and four times more in Bangladesh as compared to Pakistan. Pakistan was affected less by the epidemic than other countries.”

Finance Adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh

Finance Adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh told that loans of Rs 5,000 billion – taken by the erstwhile governments – have been given back by the incumbent government which gave incentives to increase exports and reduced expenditures for the first time in the country’s history.

Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said, “Funds for the president and the prime minister were reduced. No supplementary grant was given to any institution of ministry. Deficit of $ 20 billion has been reduced to $ 3 billion.

“Tax revenue was affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Package of Rs 240 billion was given during COVID-19. No loan was taken from the State Bank of Pakistan this year. Efforts to improve the taxes system were made. The government helped 16 million Pakistanis without any discrimination and Rs 250 billion were given to people for the first time in history. Those who were unemployed due to coronavirus were given cash aid.

“Rs 280 billion package was given to agriculture sector. Easy loans were given to business class and three-month electricity bills of small businesses were paid by the government. No new tax was imposed in the budget. The sale of cement was increased by 33 percent.”