Ministries assigned tasks to achieve IMF targets

Tarar says self-accountability system evolved as well

LAHORE:

 

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said all the ministries had been assigned tasks in written for the next five years for achieving the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) targets meant to overcome the challenges confronted by the country,

Addressing a news conference at the PML-N’s Secretariat in Lahore, Tarar noted that during a meeting held a day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had decided to evaluate the performance of each ministry.

“A self-accountability system had also been evolved and key performance indicators of ministries would be evaluated using modern information technology interventions,” he added.

The minister told the media that the finance ministry had been assigned the tasks of reducing inflation and unemployment, increasing the GDP growth, restructuring of loans, digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR); reducing trade deficit, and increasing foreign reserves among others.

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He further said the interior ministry had been given the task of chalking out a new system to tackle terrorism; launch a crackdown against illegal weapons, end smuggling, and take action against foreigner illegally residing in the country.

“Meetings were held related to the security of Chinese nationals [in the country] and how to take pre-emptive action to curb terrorism on the basis of intelligence information.”

The minister said the law ministry had been assigned the tasks of steps making legislation for the protection of minorities.

“An e-portal will be made for the laws passed in the country.”

He continued that by September 2024, a report on human rights would be prepared.

The minister said the education ministry had been told to ensure the enrolment of out-of-school children, to increase PhD scholarships by 20%, and devise a strategy on for enhancing the skills of workers across the country by September 1.

Tarar said the privatisation ministry had been given the task of selling the PIA at the earliest.
He continued that the trade ministry had been told to present a National Trade Policy before the cabinet by April 30 and have it approved.

The minister elaborated that a target had been given the industries ministry to promote the ship-breaking industry as well as the exploration of minerals and their export.