No political party
ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Asim Munir believes that none of the political parties in the country is sincere with Pakistan. A renowned businessman Zubair Motiwala made this stunning disclosure in a program of a TV channel.
Motiwala recounted the COAS’s meeting with business leaders in Lahore. He was one of the participants in the meeting.
When TV host asked whether the army chief had expressed views regarding political parties, Motiwala disclosed that Munir believed that none of them showed sincerity towards Pakistan.
Irfan Sheikh, who also participated in the TV program, said that the army chief had named eight to ten politicians who had had been using motorcycles for traveling, but they are living abroad.
Meanwhile, army chief also talked about $25 billion investment from Saudi Arabia. The COAS told business leaders that the Special Investment Facilitation Council will generate $100 billion investment.
The COAS also expressed strong positions on combating corruption and cracking down on smuggling. He said the ‘IMF program is detrimental to Pakistan,’ and the country should avoid reliance on external financial institutions.
ECNEC approves Emergency Polio Plan: No political party is sincere
Meanwhile, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved the Emergency Plan for Polio Eradication involving $1.78 billion expenditures.
The cost consists of a $1.20 billion grant from Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners and a $552 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank. It also includes a $35 million loan from AFD.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination presented the project summary for consideration. The Finance Division stated this on Tuesday in a press release.
The project’s objective is to distribute polio eradication vaccines across Pakistan, with implementation entrusted to the WHO and UNICEF.
Meanwhile, the ECNEC extended the project’s umbrella PC-1 duration to three years. It authorized the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to secure loans to support the Polio Eradication project. The motto is to realize the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Furthermore, the committee requested the Planning Commission and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination to conduct an evaluation of the Polio Eradication program, incorporating lessons learned from Phase III implementation.
ECNEC also directed the establishment of a committee, co-chaired by the Secretary of Finance and Secretary of EAD. It will examine re-lending arrangements with provinces for funding similar projects of this nature.
The committee is expected to provide clear recommendations to ensure effective project implementation.
The Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, and Privatization, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar chaired the meeting. Senior officials from other ministries attended the ECNEC meeting.
