PM directs the ministries to achieve targets set out by IMF: Attaullah Tarar
Says neither the cabinet members were taking any salaries nor they will be receiving any privileges
“The government will receive the revenue generated due to the privatization of the PIA,” the minister noted.
Says the Christian community has played an important role in the establishment of Pakistan
LAHORE ( Web News )
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate on Sunday said that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the ministries to achieve the targets set out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stressing that the government has also chalked out a mechanism of self-accountability in this regard.
“The prime minister has set out realistic target-oriented tasks for the ministries,” Attaullah Tarar said while speaking to the media in Lahore.
On the targets given to the Ministry of Finance, Attaullah Tarar said that the ministry has been tasked to rein in inflation, restructure loans and digitization of the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR). He said increasing exports in IT sector are also included in the targets.
Meanwhile, as per the minister, the Ministry of Commerce has been given the targets of reducing the trade deficit, curbing the scourge of smuggling along with the April 30 deadline to ensure the approval of a national industrial policy.
“The Ministry of Interior has been tasked with carrying out a crackdown against illegal weapons,” he added. The Minister said the Interior Ministry has also been given the target to develop a system on modern lines for elimination of terrorism in the country. He said steps are also being taken to prevent smuggling.
Addressing the issue of privatisation, Attaullah Tarar said that the Ministry of Privatisation has been made responsible for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) following the successful negotiations regarding the future of the national carrier.
“The government will receive the revenue generated due to the privatisation of the PIA,” the minister noted.
Furthermore, elaborating on the government’s approach towards the IT sector, Attaullah Tarar said the they will try to get social media companies such as X, Instagram and Meta (Facebook) to open their offices in the country.
Continuing on the Centre’s plans, the information minister said that a human rights report will be prepared by September 2024. “Targets were also set regarding illegal foreign nationals in Pakistan,” Tarar said.
Meanwhile, an e-portal will also be established concerning the laws passed in the country.
On the issue of education, he stressed that relevant ministries have been directed to address the issue of children who are not enrolled in schools.
“Target-based tasks have also been given regarding trade agreements with friendly countries,” he noted.
“The committee set up to reduce government expenditure will submit its report in a few days”, Attaullah Tarar said while commenting on the government’s bid to cut its expenditures adding that neither the cabinet members were taking any salaries nor they will be receiving any privileges.
Meanwhile Attaullah Tarar says Christian community has played an important role in the establishment of Pakistan.
Addressing a ceremony in connection with Christian festival Easter in Lahore on Sunday, he said services of Christian community are unforgettable in the security and survival of the country. He said Constitution of Pakistan provides equal rights to all communities including Christians in the country.