Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervez Rashid has described the financial budget for next year as pro poor and people friendly.
Talking to the media persons here in Islamabad on Thursday‚ he said the present government will ensure financial discipline to achieve self reliance.
When asked about resentment over non raise in the salaries of government employees‚ the information minister pointed out that ninety percent of the employees work in the provinces.
“It is now the responsibility of the provinces to decide about their salaries”, he said.
As far as the salaries of federal employees are concerned‚ he said “these are mere ten percent. Those working in the president and the prime minister houses are already drawing extra benefits and salaries. Rest of them work in the corporations‚ which decide about their salaries from time to time.”
When his attention was drawn towards his party's manifesto envisaging minimum wage of 15000‚ the federal minister clarified that the manifesto speaks of gradual increase in the minimum wage. He said the government will consider to increase the minimum wage from next year. He said “we have got an empty exchequer and credit goes to the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar‚ who has ensured that the employees continue to get timely salaries.”
To a question‚ Pervez Rashid said resolving energy crisis and improving law and order situation are the two topmost priorities of the government. He said the government has cut its expenditures and these resources will be utilized to address the energy crisis.
Earlier‚ the Information Minister inaugurated Education Expo at Pak China Friendship center. The Minister appreciated the organizers of the expo for investing in the future builders of the country.