Imran's cabinet calls for reviewing lobbyists’ performance

Green-lights payment of Rs240m fees to two PR firms working for Pakistan in US

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has expressed strong concerns about the performance of two lobbyists or Public Relations (PR) firms working in the United States to defend Pakistan’s interests. However, it has still approved a budget of Rs240 million for this image-building endeavor.

The cabinet has advised the Ministry of Foreign Affair to continually audit the performance of these firms. According to sources, the federal cabinet on Friday reviewed the performance of two US lobbyists.

The foreign ministry presented a summary proposing a release of Rs246 million to the two firms. However, the cabinet while expressing concern about their performance proposed to conduct quarterly reviews of the companies in view of their accomplishments in promoting the interests of Pakistan.

They stressed that contracts with these firms should be renewed based on their performance and achievements. According to the sources, the ministry in its response maintained that the firms were shortlisted after a competitive process and their performances are reviewed after every 3 months.

The contracts with the firms would be extended if they meet the needs of our country and protect the interests of Pakistan while failure to meet the desired outcomes will lead to termination of their services, the ministry said.  After assurances of the ministry, the cabinet endorsed the Economic Coordination Committee’s (ECC) August 28 decision and approved a fund of Rs246 million.

Every country hires private lobbying firms with a view to protecting its interest and Pakistan has also sought services of such firms after a long hiatus.  “If the government of Pakistan is not satisfied with the performance, the contract with the firms may be terminated,” said an official.