PM Imran to unveil ‘historic’ relief package tomorrow: Fawad

Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce a “historic” mega relief package tomorrow amid rising inflation and food prices in the country, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday.

He said this while addressing a news conference in Islamabad following federal cabinet’s meeting presided over by the prime minister.

“Prime minister will address nation tomorrow (Wednesday) to take them into confidence over the prevailing economic situation in the country,” he said.

As part of the PTI’ government poverty alleviation Ehsaas programme, the premier will unveil a “mega relief package”, which will provide benefits to around 53 per cent of the country’s population, he elaborated further.

While responding to a question, Fawad criticised Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in Sindh, saying they need to improve their governance and administrative issues instead of holding rallies against the federal government.

The information minister blamed the Sindh government for the increase in flour prices, saying the provincial government delayed the release of wheat.

Also read: Inflation jumps 9.2% in October

“Next time I will ask Bilawal [PPP chairman] to stage protest outside the CM House in Karachi so that it could be ascertained as to who is responsible for inflation,” he added.

Speaking on the issue of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Fawad said details of agreement with the religious party had not been presented in the federal cabinet as yet.

“Details of agreement with TLP were not discussed in the cabinet meeting and only Shah Mahmood Qureshi [foreign minister] can comment on this matter,” he said.

The government last Sunday announced that an agreement had been reached with the TLP after around two weeks of clashes left at least seven policemen dead and scores injured on both sides

The announcement was made at a news conference in Islamabad where Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan, prominent cleric Mufti Muneebur Rehman as well as TLP members Mufti Ghulam Abbas Faizi and Mufti Mohammad Ameer were present.

Earlier today, the Punjab Police released at least 1,000 workers of the TLP who were detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) during the religious party’s protests.

The release of the workers came two days after the government signed an agreement with the TLP after over a week of violent protests.

Police said that the supporters who were booked in cases will be released by the courts after completing legal formalities.