Federal cabinet bans use of all discretionary funds
The minister says funds worth Rs21 billion were spent by previous government last year
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The federal cabinet on Wednesday has decided to ban use of all discretionary funds of President, Prime Minister and Members National Assembly (MNAs) as it is an insult to tax payers.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhary said that from now onwards, the development projects will be discussed in parliament and their approval will be given after a detailed review.
He said that the discretionary powers of all the ministers to grant funds have also been revoked.
The minister said that funds worth Rs21 billion were spent by previous government last year.
In addition, Rs30 billion were allocated to MNAs for development projects, making it a huge amount of Rs51 billion.
He said that the previous governments used national exchequer like their own property.
PM’s Austerity Drive
Fawad Chaudhary went on to say that as part of austerity drive of Prime Minister Imran Khan, it has been decided that special plane of the prime minister will not be used for foreign visits. Rather, he will travel in ordinary passenger planes and use the club class instead of business or first class. “This discretion has also been abolished for President, Chief Justice, and other senior officials,” he added.
Metro Bus Project
The Minister said cabinet also took decision to hold forensic audit of all mass transport projects including Multan Metro bus project, Lahore Orange Train Project and Peshawar Metro Bus.
He said that if needed, FIA will investigate the issues.
Living Standard
The minieter said that the government wants to improve the living standard of people and resolve their issues and a task force will be set up to resolve the problems of slums in order to bring them into mainstream.
