Federal cabinet discusses political situation, economic growth

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed complete satisfaction on positive economic trajectory of the country.

Briefing media on the cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the prime minister gave a roadmap to various departments and ministries of their targets for the next three months.

The prime minister gave directions to all ministries to take maximum efforts to complete public sector development programs of their ministry in next three months.

PM Imran Khan further directed to work on job creation and parallel empowerment strategies for youth of the country. The prime minister said he will himself monitor the progress so that decisions are made on time.

The prime minister apprised the cabinet of political situation and said all indicators of the economy are on positive trajectory despite protests by the opposition parties.

Special Assistant said reform agenda of the incumbent government is being resisted by status quo people who do not want change in the system.

The prime minister reassured the cabinet that government will not back away from reforms agenda as it is for the development and progress of Pakistan, and the government wants to transform challenges into opportunities.

Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the cabinet that economic indicators have witnessed improvements and economy is moving in right direction.

He said that foreign investment has increased in the country and stock market is stabilising, while ease of doing business ranking has also witnessed significant improvements.

Dr Awan said the cabinet approved the waiver of passport and fee requirement for pilgrims of Kartarpur Corridor. She said the visa on arrival facility will be given to Sikh pilgrims.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain apprised the cabinet on new local government system.

The cabinet also approved Appointment of DG Rangers Punjab. It also discussed overall economic and political situation of the country with particular reference to the protest march of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F)