PM Imran Khan & the Cabinet on Tuesday discussed the proposal for easing the restrictions on the lockdown from May 9 across the country.
However, the final decision in this regard will be taken on Wednesday (today) at the meeting of the National Command and Operations Center.
This information was given by the Information and Broadcasting Minister Shibli Faraj to the media while giving information about the decisions taken during the federal cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday.
The PM while addressing the members of the Cabinet again emphasized on taking care of the weaker sections of the society and those who have been deprived of their livelihood in view of the lockout. The Prime Minister supported the proposal of easy restrictions in the country keeping in view the difficulties faced by people due to demonetization. However, he warned of a sudden increase in infection if standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not strictly enforced following the looming locking.
The Information Minister said that Punjab Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar had remarked that the war against the virus could only be won back home.
He said that the Prime Minister and all cabinet members, including ministers, ministers of state, advisors, and special assistants, decided to donate one month's salary to the Prime Minister's Kovid-19 Relief Fund.
The minister said that this gesture was made in view of the current situation of the people and the difficulties being faced by the people.
Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Omar briefed the cabinet about the coronavirus situation in the country. The cabinet was told that the situation in Pakistan was far better than many developed countries as far as Kovid-19 infection and virus deaths were concerned.
It was informed at the Cabinet meeting that the Committee on Election Reforms had sent its report to the Ministry of Law and Justice. Shibli Faraj said that the PM wanted the election process to be transparent and fair, and the public should have faith in it. The PM said that reform of the electoral system was part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) agenda and would remain its top priority.
The minister said that the PM raised an issue that reform of the criminal justice system was imperative, as the cases had languished for decades. He asked the Law and Justice Minister to finalize reforms in the criminal justice system within six months.
The Premier also suggested that modern technology should be introduced at police stations to change the should shoulda ’(police station) culture. The meeting gave updated information on converting police stations into model police stations with the introduction of modern technology.
On the directions of the Supreme Court, he said that the cabinet was informed that 76 illegal appointments were made in seven departments to higher positions during the previous government. 'All the ministries concerned have been advised to present the relevant report in the next cabinet meeting and a decision on these illegal appointments will be made soon,' he said.
The forum was told that during 81 cabinet meetings, a total of 1,630 decisions were made, of which 1,376 (86pc) were implemented, while decisions on 114 (7pc) were in the implementation phase.
The minister said that the cabinet discussed the issue of ban on import of goods from India except life saving medicines. The PM ordered to ensure that there is no violation of the ban.
Shibli Faraj said that the Cabinet approved the proposal to appoint Naved Asgar Choudhary, Grade-20 officer of the Audit and Accounts Service of Pakistan as Member Finance, Vapada. The cabinet also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Akuwat Pakistan and Akuwat United States, which will help collect donations for the PM's Corona Relief Fund.
Shibli said the cabinet approved the export of locally manufactured hand-sanitizers after meeting local needs, to earn foreign exchange. Noting that there was a surplus quantity of rice available in the country, the Cabinet approved the export of surplus rice.
The cabinet reviewed the implementation process of its decisions to facilitate foreign Pakistanis. He said that the cabinet decided to include 61 food and non-food items in Pakistan's Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) list.
He said that the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Welfare (SAPM), Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed the cabinet about the ongoing process of financial assistance to the weaker sections of the society through the EHSA Emergency Cash Program. The cabinet was informed that in addition to the 400,000 figures of previous governments, about 810,000 new families have been added to the data. He said that on the basis of merit, this emergency cash program is being implemented in the most transparent manner.
The minister said that the PM heard the suggestions made by various cabinet members and decisions were taken taking them all on board. Muttahida Qaumi Movement - New IT Minister of Pakistan, Aminul Haque
Shibli Faraz said the cabinet also approved unanimously the
reconstitution of the National Commission for Minorities, consisting of defined
minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Parsis. To a question, the
Minister noted that what was reported was incorrect with regards to the
commission.
The minister noted that instead of bringing the institutions
under individuals, Prime Minister Imran Khan gave them independence by putting
them under the law. He recalled that the incumbent chairman of National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) was appointed after consultations between the then
government and the opposition.
About those, appearing before NAB and then coming out making
victory signs and behaving like tarzan despite having been grilled by NAB
authorities, he said that the media could discourage that unfortunate trend by
not giving coverage to them outside the Bureau offices.
Shibli informed the media that he himself underwent a corona
test on Monday and its result were negative.
He parried a question about the arrest of Jang/Geo
Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in over 30 years old deal while no FIR had
been registered hitherto.
Our correspondent adds from Lahore: Pakistan Railways has
announced resuming operations from Sunday, May 10, a notification said on
Tuesday.
In the first phase, according to the notification, 15 trains
will operate throughout the country while social distancing will be observed
strictly. Only e-ticketing will be allowed. All booking office and reservation
office will remain closed. In line with social distancing guidelines,
passengers will be required to keep their tickets ready and show them to the
conductor to ensure no physical contact takes place between them and the train
staff. The notification said that 50% of the booking for trains would be made
available online. The Khyber Mail, Awam Express, Tezgam, Islamabad Express, and
a few others will resume operations.
According to the notification, Pakistan Railways is
considering the restoration of passengers traffic operation on May 10, subject
to approval from the competent authority.
News desk adds: After some hints from Centre about easing
restrictions, the Punjab government Tuesday decided to also ease lockdown.
A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting, presided
over by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. Sources said the lockdown restrictions
would be relaxed from Saturday, May 9 when shops selling iron pipes, steel, spare parts, machinery, and electrical items would be allowed to do business.
According to sources, glass manufacturers, shops selling
construction and textile material will also be granted permission to resume
operations. Besides, cloth shops will be allowed to operate for a period of six
hours from the 15th of Ramazan.
It will be mandatory for all businessmen and traders to
strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to avert the spread of
the deadly virus.
A formal announcement with regard to relaxation of the
lockdown would be made on May 8.
APP adds from Quetta: The Balochistan government, meanwhile,
extended the lockdown for 15 more days, till May 19, in order to control the spread of coronavirus.
According to a statement issued by the provincial home of the department, the government has imposed Section 144 in view of the spread of
coronavirus and extended the period of lockdown for 15 days.
Gathering of 10 or more people and pillion riding has been
banned, and inter-district and inter-provincial public transport have also been
closed. Shopping malls, cinemas, wedding halls, hotels, showrooms, and shrines
will also remain closed in the wake of the coronavirus.
However, shops and warehouses providing construction
material, medical stores, vegetable shops, agricultural goods, petrol pumps and
call centers will be allowed to remain open.
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