Game plan: ‘PTI govt committed to restoring economy’

Minister says days of those who looted the national exchequer are numbered

LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Fayyazul Chohan said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government is committed to restoring the economy and the image of the country in the eyes of the international community. The days of those who looted the national exchequer through corruption are numbered, he asserted.

He expressed these views while speaking to the media at the launching ceremony of the National Book Fair at the e-library located in Public Park on Saturday. He maintained that the ‘Sharif mafia’ reduced exports of Rs38 billion to Rs20 billion and set new records for corruption.

A joint investigation team (JIT) has been formed to investigate the Model Town incident. The law will prevail regarding the murder of 14 individuals, he said. He said that Nawaz paid foreign visits, totalling 85 days, with family members and personal investors just to promote his own businesses, he said.

In comparison, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s foreign visits aim at reviving the country’s damaged economy. “He has been welcomed by world leaders with open arms,” he stated.

“Those who declare the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as corrupt are the ones who elected the authority’s chairman. We are not responsible for any appointment in NAB,” he clarified.

The minister also took note of the allegations made against Rana Sanaullah and other opposition leaders. He said that they have been involved in mega corruption cases and have damaged the national exchequer. “Now, they are misleading the public,” he stated.

The local administration and police officials have been directed to manage law and order and to adopt measures to apprehend criminals involved in crimes such as robberies, he expressed.

The minister also highlighted the need to promote reading and said that organising such literary activities was necessary. “Such activities should be organised regularly in order to promote good reading habits,” he said.

He congratulated the organisers on successfully holding the three-day fair and revealed that he also enjoys reading and spends his time on research oriented activities. Later, Chief Librarian Sher Afzal Malik briefed participants about the details of the three-day fair.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2019.