ISLAMABAD - The austerity drive, launched under the command of Prime Minister Imran Khan, which was seen by some experts with skepticism and dubbed by opposition as a cosmetic measure, has begun to make its mark on the economic landscape.
The comprehensive move, introduced by the PTI-led government in all departments, has saved Rs147 million at the Prime Minister’s House alone during the first three months.
The figure was shared by Adviser to Prime Minister on Media Affairs Iftikhar Durrani at a press conference on Wednesday, wherein he highlighted the savings in various heads at the PM House.
The adviser said that the saved amount would be spent on the projects falling in the public welfare domain, like the health and nutrition programmes.
Regarding 100-day plan of the government, the he said it was for the strategic direction of the government. The achievements made during this period would be shared with media on November 29, he added.
Durrani said that several experts had been involved in various government projects and tangible achievements during the first three months of PTI government were among its hallmarks.
Giving details of saving done at the PM House, he said that repair and maintenance cost had been reduced from Rs8 million to Rs3.4 million while daily expense had also been curtailed drastically, a part of which was earlier being spent on such things as buffaloes that were purchased for the ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Iftikhar Durrnai said that 200 out of 522 employees of the Prime Minister House and Secretariat had been adjusted in other departments while another 125 employees would be phased out in the next step.
He said the premier deeply feels for the poor and the downtrodden, and he has ordered all his ministers to introduce austerity measures in their respective ministries and departments.
“From the next week, the ministers would brief about the measures they have
adopted in their departments,” he added.
Durrnai said the country now has a sincere and honest leadership and therefore various countries including China, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have shown willingness to invest in Pakistan.
To a question about carving out a Seraiki province out of Punjab, he said that the provincial government and a task force were working on it and an administrative structure was being planned in Multan in the initial phase.
About outstanding payments to media houses, he said that present government did not run any campaign on print or electronic media and the payments of ads given by previous government would be made at the earliest.
Durrani said Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed the information ministry and the Punjab government to pay an amount of Rs3 billion.
“It is totally wrong impression that media houses are sacking employees due to non-payment of dues,” he said, adding that PTI government did not leave any outstanding bill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during its last tenure.
To a question about his dual nationality, he said, “I am a Pakistani, having a green passport and assure on oath to own nothing in any foreign country.”
He said that government is not involved in disturbing the decorum of Parliament as opposition lawmakers have also the responsibility which is not being fulfilled by them. He said that it never happened that opposition protested during the maiden speech of the prime minister.
To a query, Durrani said that the rule was being amended in the National Assembly following which the PM would personally answer the questions once in week.
The Adviser, responding to another question, said that the premier is a tough political manager and he is reviewing the performance of all cabinet members. He (PM) has the authority to reshuffle cabinet members if he deems it necessary, he added.
Durrnai said that detailed assessment and evaluation have been made to set up university at Prime Minister’s House as this decision was earlier made to change the colonial mindset.
About the participation of foreign delegates in Milaad Conference being organised by the government, he said a briefing would be held on Thursday to formally decide about their participation.
PM House saves Rs147m in three months