ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that terrorism from across the border will not be tolerated anymore and Pakistan’s borders are a red line against terrorism.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister said that he wants to work together with the neighboring countries for peace in the region. The nation has made great sacrifices to end terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that we need a new program of the IMF because we cannot live without loans, the country has to be freed from debts by putting the economy on its feet. I saved the country from bankruptcy.
The Prime Minister said that we have also staked our political assets for the country, our revenues of 2400 billion are currently either with the tribunals or their cases are pending in the courts, the Chief Justice is requested to direct all the High Courts. I will be grateful to the Chief Justice for taking notice that all cases should be decided on merit.
Regarding the austerity policy, the Prime Minister said that the reduction of the lavish expenditure of the government is very necessary, there are many departments which are not needed and the remaining departments should be handed over to the provinces under the Eighteenth Amendment.
Regarding electricity theft, the Prime Minister said that 4 to 500 billion worth of electricity is stolen every year, now they will not tolerate electricity and gas theft, a plan must be brought to completely eliminate electricity and gas theft.
Earlier, in a cabinet meeting, members including the prime minister decided not to take salaries and perks.
First meeting of the special committee
The first meeting of the special committee for legal and judicial reforms was also held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Supreme Court Bar President Shahzad Shaukat, Pakistan Bar Council representative Ahsan Bhawan, former Law Minister Zahid Hamid, senior jurist Shahid Hamid and Attorney General Mansoor Awan participated in the committee.
The Prime Minister directed the committee to formulate a plan of action to simplify the civil and criminal laws for the convenience of the common man. The Prime Minister also directed the committee to prepare a package of constitutional and legal amendments for judicial reforms.
The Prime Minister said that it is desired that justice can be provided to the people quickly and easily.
The Prime Minister directed that tax matters should be made easy for the people, especially the business class. He also directed the committee to come up with legal proposals to make tax collections effective.
The Prime Minister said that it is worrisome that tax collections of more than 2400 billion rupees are pending in Pakistan due to injunctions of courts and tribunals. The report provided by the committee should be sent to the concerned ministries for implementation after consultation with the allies. The Prime Minister directed to submit an interim report on financial and tax matters within 2 weeks.
