MIANWALI: At least 450 ministers will have to be jailed in order for the country to progress like China did, said Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.
Addressing a ceremony after breaking the ground for the construction of a hospital at NAMAL Institute in Mianwali, he said: “They [opposition leaders] question what good the ongoing accountability will do to the public.”
“The Chinese example is in front of [us]. China’s president put more than 450 ministers behind the bars yet the country progressed.” “Pakistan won’t make progress until all those who looted the country are not held to account.”
The prime minister said investors were reluctant to come to Pakistan owing to rampant corruption in the past.
How could it happen that the country’s public debt increased to Rs6,000 billion over 60 years but jumped to Rs30,000 billion in just 10 years, he questioned. What development work did they carry out in the country, he asked.
Like Lahore’s metro bus service, some projects were launched but they incurred losses, PM Khan said.
He said the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in the backward area will help the local population get healthcare facilities at their doorstep.
PM Khan said the NAMAL University was his vision to provide education to the people of the area as they had no such opportunities previously.
Imran Khan said that corruption is the biggest hurdle in Pakistan’s development and the
country would not progress until the thieves are not brought to justice.
He made it clear that the process of accountability will continue without any discrimination.
Imran Khan said that no influence or pressure will be tolerated from any side in this regard, adding that some people incarcerated on corruption charges tried to influence him through recommendations from outside the country.
Regarding corruption cases against opposition leaders, the prime minister said most of these were instituted during the tenures of previous government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday inaugurated Mianwali Express to facilitate the people of Mianwali.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.
The Mianwali Express train will have the facility of air-conditioned coaches. The fare of AC coaches will be 800 rupees while for economy class the price of a ticket will be 350 rupees.
The train would have 13 stops including Shahdara Bagh, Qila Sheikhpura, Sangla Hill, Chiniot, Shaheenabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Kundian, Mianwali and Daudkhel.
The minister said that Pakistan Railways has successfully raised the number of passengers to seven million during the last 13 months.
Addressing the ceremony on Sir Syed Express launch ceremony Imran Khan emphasized on curbing financial corruption from all institutes of the country.
Reiterating his stance on corruption and those found involved in the activity Imran Khan said: “We will not spare those who have looted and plundered the country.”
Meanwhile, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.
Matters relating to national and international issues and parliamentary business were discussed.
The Speaker briefed the Prime Minister about the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Asia Regional Conference being held in Islamabad from 29th of this month.
He said the Conference would be an apt opportunity to discuss and suggest way forward for inclusion of women and youth in national development, besides, envisioning parliamentary path towards a diverse and developed south Asia.
The Speaker also apprised the Prime Minister that National Assembly has saved over 638 million rupees from the budgetary grant of fiscal year 2018-19 and surrendered to the National exchequer.
The Prime Minster appreciated the austerity measures adopted by the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said present government has introduced unprecedented reforms in social, economic and administrative sectors over the last ten months. He was talking to Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan who called on him in Islamabad on Friday.
Imran Khan said PTI assumed the power in difficult situation and took difficult decisions for economic stability in the greater interest of the country.
The Prime Minister said that despite difficult economic situation, we took steps to protect the vulnerable and weak segments of the society keeping in view the model of State of Madina. Ehsaas programme, construction of Panah Gahs, housing project to provide houses to the homeless people and other welfare measures are practical steps towards the fulfillment of promises made with the people.
The Prime Minister noted the Information Ministry has an important role to play in highlighting the steps taken in the interest of the people and the country. He directed the Information Ministry to ensure flow of accurate information to the masses in cooperation with the media as well as to play more effective role in unmasking the negative propaganda.
Information Secretary Zahida Parveen, Principal Information Officer Tahir Khushnood and other senior officials of Information Ministry were present on the occasion. Meanwhile, founder chairperson of the Pakistan caucus in the US Congress Sheila Jackson Lee said that more than 50 members are likely to hold meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Washington.
According to details, the preparations for the premier’s visit to US have been completed.
Earlier, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal had confirmed Imran Khan’s visit to US and said, “We wish to caution against speculation about PM’s visit. We are in close contact with the U.S. side.”
As per reports, PM will be embarking on a three-day maiden official visit to the Washington on July 21 on the invitation of President Donald Trump.
Special Assistant on Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told that Khan accompanying by a small delegation will protect the interests of Pakistan and its people during this important visit. She lamented that the past rulers used to protect their personal financial interests during the foreign visits. – NNI