ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has stated that the government’s next three months are critical, as he stressed the importance of an efficient management of inflation.
He also emphasised that the administration would complete its five-year term. He stated that he saw no challenge to government from the corrupt opposition parties.
In an interview with a local television channel, the PM expressed confidence in his government’s ability to complete its five-year term with the support of allies.
He also stated that he had brilliant relations with the military leadership and, when asked about extending the Army Chief’s tenure, he stated he had not considered it yet. He said that the year had just begun, and November 2022 was still months away. When the time comes, the matter will be resolved.
In response to another query about the opposition’s potential effort to put forward a no-confidence resolution against him, the PM stated that they may do so if they so desire.
However, the Prime Minister noticed that his government’s greatest failing was a lack of accountability. He noted that when the NAB brought corruption cases before the courts, it turned the cases over to the courts. He stated that despite the proof, people remained free to roam.
He did, however, sound extremely optimistic about the FIA’s current inquiry into opposition leader Mian Shehbaz Sharif and wondered who would not believe and reject that Shehbaz was not corrupt. He stated, “I don’t think Shehbaz will survive now after the type of evidence found against him.”
Regarding the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Recent Insaf’s failure in the 17 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the local government elections, PM Imran stated that the defeat in the province’s first round of LG polls was very unfavourable. He was convinced that the defeat resulted from the organisational structure. The PM stressed that PTI’s vote bank has not dwindled despite all that but has luckily stayed intact.
In terms of his party’s chances in the Punjab local government elections, he stated he was completely satisfied with the performance of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s government and noted that many of its positive achievements were not being properly promoted. He was optimistic that the PTI would perform admirably in the province’s local government elections.
In addressing rising inflation, the prime minister highlighted the need for the government to contain it during the next three months. Regarding Pakistan’s relations with China and the United States, he stated that relations with China were the first in the world, but admitted that the US wielded pressure, citing the IMF. He was, however, positive that relations between Pakistan and the US were doing well.
He stated during the discussion that unused government property is being converted into valuable assets. “These initiatives are aimed at creating jobs and satisfying the population’s requirements,” he added. That is why he ordered the immediate elimination of legal impediments to attract investors.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday that the government is following through on its commitment to provide affordable housing for the poor and middle class. He stated that for the first time in the country’s history, 12,400 low-cost and standard flats are being offered to Islamabad’s slum inhabitants.
PM Imran presided over a National Coordinating Committee for Housing, Construction, and Development meeting in the city. The conference was informed that the KCDA and the New Pakistan Housing Authority would grant subsidies for these units, lowering monthly instalments. These flats will be equipped with the most fundamental municipal utilities.
PM Imran has also announced the construction of an international-quality cricket stadium in Islamabad. Shaukat Tarin and Chaudhry Fawad Hussain attended the meeting, as did Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, Minister of State Farrukh Habib, Special Assistant Dr Shahbaz Gill, SBP Governor, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir ministers Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and Chair Khawaja Farooq. Senior officials from the New Pakistan Housing and Development Authority attended the conference.
He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in the construction of commercial structures on the grounds of official residences in Islamabad’s most affluent neighbourhoods. He said that Rs 38 billion in loans had been provided for housing construction.
He also discussed COVID’s spread in cities. All the country’s cities, he stated, should have their boundaries delineated to prevent the disease’s unchecked spread and to preserve their plant life.
He also stated that urban development via modern real estate projects such as the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), the Central Business District (CBD) Walton, and the Nullah Leh Expressway are critical government priorities that must be expedited to ensure their timely completion. He communicated these thoughts while presiding over a RUDA and CBD review meeting.
For the first time in the country’s history, dead capital as abandoned government property is being repurposed as a valued asset through these innovative ventures. These projects will not only generate jobs but also contribute to the growth of the metropolitan population. We will also address the public’s needs, “he stated.
Previously, the PM was informed that the CBD intended to raise cash by auctioning off seven mixed-use commercial properties in downtown Lahore. The CBD’s goals include the construction of Burj Jinnah, Pakistan’s tallest skyscraper; Chapter Construction of two premium residential towers and a 500-bed hospital in Pakistan; CBD Square and the Walton Road Flyover; and the establishment of a classic aviation museum to preserve Walton Airport’s heritage. Work on the Ravi River Waterfront, the establishment of an industrial estate, Sapphire Bay, and the Ravi Chahar Bagh Society are proceeding apace.
The PM was informed that an excellent advertising campaign has maximised the money generated by domestic and foreign investment in these notable projects.
The PM urged responsible authorities to remove all legal impediments as quickly as possible to attract further investors.
