First 100 days: Imran Rasul resigns from EAC in solidarity
With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerging victorious in the 2018 general elections, people’s expectations from the government are high.
Promising to bring about a “Naya Pakistan”, Prime Minister Imran Khan has a formidable task ahead of him. The Express Tribune will be tracking the PTI-led government’s first 100 days in office on this account.
In May, the PTI presented a post-poll 100-day plan wherein it pledged to transform governance standards, strengthen the federation, revitalise the economy, revolutionise social services, ensure national security and overhaul the agricultural sector among other goals.
Imran Rasul resigns from EAC in solidarity
London-based economist Imran Rasul became the third member of Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to resign after the government asked Atif Mian to step down from the body following a backlash over his faith.
“With a heavy heart, I have resigned from the EAC this morning,” said Rasul, a professor of economics at University College London.
Atif Mian steps down from Economic Advisory Council
Economist Atif Mian is no longer part of the Economic Advisory Council after he was “asked to step down”, a tweet by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed stated.
CJCSC calls on PM
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat called on Prime Minister Imran at his office. Professional matters pertaining to the armed forces were discussed during the meeting.
PM appeals for dams’ donation
Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed to the countrymen, especially overseas Pakistanis, to generously contribute for building new dams.
“Overseas Pakistanis, especially those living in European countries, should contribute at least $100 to the PM/CJP’s fund for dams,” Imran said.
He said the Prime Minister’s Fund for Dams would be merged with the Chief Justice’s Fund. According to him, Rs1.8 billion had so far been collected in the Chief Justice fund for dams.
Dr Asim Ijaz Khwaja resigns from EAC in protest
Protesting the government’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Dr Atif Mian on the Economic Advisory Council (EAC), Dr Asim Ijaz Khwaja I resigned from the newly-formed body, saying “being a Muslim I can’t justify this”.
Chinese foreign minister arrives for three-day visit
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi began his three-day official visit to Pakistan. The top Chinese official was received by a senior Foreign Office official at the Noor Khan Airbase at Chaklala, drawing a strong reaction from PML-N Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who suggested that some senior government functionary should have welcomed him at the airport instead.
During his stay in Islamabad, the top Chinese official will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi and meet Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the Army Chief.
PM Imran pays tribute on Defence Day
In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the commemoration of the day reiterates that the nation and its armed forces will “spare no effort to protect the motherland”.
PM Imran said Pakistan believed in peaceful co-existence and wanted to promote mutual cooperation on the basis of equality with the world including the neighbours.
“Furthermore, we all collectively will face our problems following the Quaid’s principles of faith, unity and discipline. Let’s play our role with diligence and devotion for the progress of the country.”
PM attends Defence Day ceremony
PM Imran attended a ceremony at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the anniversary of 1965 war with India. Speaking at the ceremony, he declared that Pakistan would no more participate in someone else’s war, insisting that there was no civil-military divide in the country.
“I will promise that Pakistan will never fight someone else’s war,” he stated in categorical terms.
PM forms task force on K-P, FATA merger
Prime Minister Imran has set up three different task forces respectively for civil service reforms, restructuring of the government, and identification of impediments and facilitation of tribal areas merger with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Pompeo arrives in Islamabad
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Pakistan for crucial talks with the new government against a backdrop of deteriorating ties between the two allies.
Pompeo, who was accompanied by Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff General Joseph Dunford and Trump’s special envoy Zalamay Khalilzad, first held talks with the foreign minister and then met with Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Fourth federal cabinet meeting
The government, during a federal cabinet meeting headed by PM Imran, decided to activate diplomatic channels to accelerate the ratification of a bilateral treaty for exchanging information with Switzerland, removing a major bottleneck in accessing crucial information about hidden assets abroad.
The meeting also discussed an eight-point agenda.
Ehsan Mani elected PCB chairman
Ehsan Mani has been elected unopposed as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the board’s election which was held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
PTI’s Arif Alvi elected 13th President of Pakistan
PTI’s Dr Arif Alvi was elected as the 13th president of Pakistan as the country’s electoral college – comprising of the Senate, national and provincial assemblies – cast their votes.
FM Qureshi meets AJK President
FM Qureshi met AJK president and assured him Pakistan would continue to support Kashmir politically, morally and diplomatically. He also welcomed the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) report on Kashmir in June 2018. It is the first ever UN report detailing human rights abuse in Kashmir.
Fawad Chaudhry defends Atif Mian’s appointment
After Pakistan Peoples Party leader Shehla Raza critcised Mian’s inclusion, the information minister denounced the sentiment while speaking to media.
“Should we throw minorities out of the country? Atif is part of our economic council. The world is raving about him. People who say negative things about minorities are extremists. Every Muslim has a duty to protect minorities,” Chaudhry said.
PM Imran addresses oil and gas sector issues
PM Imran directed the petroleum division to devise a comprehensive plan for mitigating gas theft while chairing a briefing at the PM office.
Minister for Petroleum, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Additional Secretary Incharge Petroleum Division, Mian Asad Hayaud Din and senior government officers were present at the meeting.
The PM was briefed on the current state of demand and supply in the oil and gas sector, progress on construction and operationalisation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline (TAPI) and Pak-Iran gas pipeline and other projects being developed to address the country’s growing energy needs.
Babar Awan resigns
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Zaheeruddin Babar Awan on Tuesday resigned from his post after a reference was filed against him and six other politicians by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Islamabad Accountability Court for causing delay in the completion of the Nandipur Power Project.
“I have resigned from the post of adviser to the PM on parliamentary affairs so I may prove the allegations levelled against me in the NAB reference are false,” Awan stated in his resignation letter.
Afghan FM calls Shah Mehmood Qureshi
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi discussed the closure of the country’s consulate in Jalalabad during a phone call with his Afghan counterpart. Afghan foreign minister, Salahuddin Rabbani, congratulated Qureshi on his appointment. The foreign minister asked Rabbani to restore the previous security arrangements at the Pakistani mission in order so that the consulate could be reopened.
Imran, COAS meet
Ahead of a crucial visit by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday held a meeting to discuss the US-Pakistan relations in the backdrop of recent spat between Islamabad and Washington.
Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa meets Imran Khan at PM secretariat. PHOTO: PID
‘Plant for Pakistan’ campaign kicks off
Prime Minister Imran Khan officially launched “Ten Billion Tree Tsunami” campaign by planting a tree sapling in Haripur.
Initially started at 200 points in the cities, PM Imran said that the campaign will be carried out in all cities across the country.
“This is the beginning. Our target is to plant 10 billion trees in the whole country and this campaign will continue for 5 years. We had planted 1.18 billion trees in K-P and now we are starting plantation in the rest of the country,” he said.
PM meets CM Punjab, orders revamping of local government system
Prime Minister Imran ordered revamping of the prevailing local government system in Punjab, besides directing authorities concerned to initiate an audit of the Orange Line project.
The prime minister also stressed the need to free the police from political influence, ordering the chief minister of Punjab to take stern action against all encroachment mafias.
PTI reacts to US ‘aid’ cancellation
The PTI government reacted cautiously to the US cancellation of $300 million in aid to Pakistan, insisting the money is not assistance but reimbursements for the country’s expenses in the fight against terrorism.
It was decided not to react strongly at this stage and instead wait for the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is due in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Economic advisory council formed
Prime Minister Imran Khan has formed an 18-member economic advisory council. The council includes experts from renowned educational institutions and banks. The finance minister, minister of planning and development and the state bank governor are also part of the board.
First lady visits orphanage
First Lady Bushra Maneka shared a meal with children during her trip to an orphanage in Lahore. The premier’s wife was accompanied by a friend, Farah Khan, during the trip to Darul Shafqat orphanage. She had also brought food with her, which was distributed among the children.
Bushra bibi and her friend Farah Khan (left). PHOTO: EXPRESS
State minister for interior takes oath
PTI MNA Shehryar Afridi took oath as state minister for interior at a ceremony held at the President House. The oath was administered by President Mamnoon Hussain and the ceremony was attended by political workers and top officials.
FM Qureshi meets Iranian counterpart
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and assured him of Islamabad’s support for Tehran’s stance on the country’s nuclear deal with major world powers.
PM meets Imran Ismail, MQM delegation
Prime Minister Imran Khan met Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and assured him that the government is determined to fix issues faced by the citizens of Karachi.
A delegation of the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also met the premier. The delegation included Khalid Maqbool, Dr Farogh Naseem, Nasreen Jalal, Kunwar Naveed and Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar.
‘Give us time to perform’
Prime Minister Imran asked the media to give the PTI government time to settle in before being judged for its actions.
“Give us three months before criticising our performance,” the prime minister said while talking to a select group of senior journalists.
Bureaucratic shuffle
The PTI government continues to reshuffle senior bureaucrats and assigned new assignments to nine grade-21 officers.
| Name | Grade | Previous posting | New posting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capt (retd) Naseem Nawaz | BS-21 | Government of Punjab | Government of Sindh |
| Iqbal Hussain Durrani | BS-21 | Government of Sindh | Government of Balochistan |
| Muhammad Ajmal Khan | BS-21 | Government of Punjab | Establishment Division |
| Capt (retd) Munir Azam | BS-21 | Government of K-P | Government of Balochistan |
| Nadeem Irshad Kayani | BS-21 | Government of Punjab | Government of K-P |
| Muhammad Asad Islam Mahni | BS-21 | Government of Punjab | Government of Sindh |
| Mohammad Sohail Rajput | BS-21 | Government of Sindh | Government of Punjab |
| Syed Asif Hyder Shah | BS-21 | Government of Sindh | Government of Punjab |
| Capt (retd) Syed Waqarul Hassan | BS-21 | Government of K-P | Government of Sindh |
‘Pakistan needs $9b for running domestic economy’
Pakistan needs $9 billion to run the country’s economic affairs, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the Senate. He said Pakistan was facing an adverse economic situation because of flawed policies of previous governments.
PM visits GHQ
Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) to attend a crucial briefing by the army chief on defence and internal security matters, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Iran FM arrives in Pakistan
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Islamabad for a two-day state visit. He will meet senior military and civilian officials. This is the first visit by a foreign minister after the formation of the new government.
New AGP notified
The federal government has appointed Anwar Mansoor Khan as the new Attorney General for Pakistan. Notification about his appointment has been issued by the law ministry.
Asad Umar briefs PM on state of economy
The finance ministry briefed Prime Minister Imran on the current state of Pakistan’s economy, as the country actively tries to seek a workable solution where it can avoid the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
PM releases message over blasphemous caricatures issue
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a video message, said the government would raise the issue of the blasphemous caricatures at all international forums. The prime minister said the issue of blasphemy was troubling for every Muslim.
Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders decided to cancel the controversial blasphemous caricatures contest after being at the receiving end of death threats.
Cleric Khadim Rizvi-led Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called off its protest march to Islamabad after Wilders’ announcement.
In his media talk, the foreign minister congratulated the nation on their moral victory, and termed the cancellation a diplomatic victory for Pakistan.
11-member K-P cabinet takes oath
The 11-member cabinet of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was sworn in a ceremony held at the Governor House. The Speaker K-P Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, who is also serving as the acting governor of the province, administered the oath of the cabinet members
PM meets NAB chairman
National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman met Prime Minister Imran and congratulated him on assuming office.
During the meeting, the premier expressed his commitment to absolving the nation of corruption and promoting transparency.
The prime minister reiterated that accountability remains the first priority for his government.
The premier also informed the accountability body’s chairman that he had complete support to further strengthen the institution and increase its efficiency.
Concluding the meeting, PM Khan expressed satisfaction with NAB’s current performance.
Media regulatory authorities to be merged
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said existing media regulatory bodies will be merged and a new authority will be formed to oversee all mediums. The new regulatory body will be called the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority.
Disgruntled Aamir Liaquat leaves WhatsApp group
Disgruntled MNA Aamir Liaquat Hussain left a PTI WhatsApp group, made for communication between the party’s lawmakers, after being snubbed from an earlier gathering at the Governor House in Karachi.
Massive bureaucracy reshuffle
The newly-installed PTI government continues to reshuffle senior bureaucrats and assigned new assignments to 22 grade-21 and grade-22 officers.
| Name | Grade | Previous posting | New posting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fazal Abbas Mekan | BS-22 | Secretary, National Food Security and Research Division | Secretary, Cabinet Division |
| Khalid Masood Chaudhary | BS-22 | Secretary, Religious Affairs and Inter Faith Harmony Division | Secretary, Industries and Production Division |
| Shoaib Ahmad Siddique | BS-22 | Secretary, Planning, Development and Reforms Division | Secretary, Communications Division |
| Muhammad Ashraf | BS-22 | Senior Member, Federal Land Commission | Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Division |
| Khizar Hayat Khan | BS-22 | Secretary, Climate Change Division | Establishment Divison |
| Jamil Ahmad | BS-22 | Secretary, Federal Tax Ombudsman | Secretary, Inter Provincial Coordination Division |
| Rabiya Javeri Agha | BS-22 | Secretary, Human Rights Division | Secretary, Climate Change Division |
| Pir Bakhsh Khan Jamali | BS-22 | Establishment Division | Secretary, Postal Services Divison |
| Aamir Ashraf Khawaja | BS-22 | Secretary, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division | Secretary, Maritime Affairs Division |
| Mumtaz Ali Shah | BS-22 | Secretary, Maritime Affairs Division | Secretary, Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Division |
| Capt (retd) Jahanzeb Khan | BS-22 | Secretary, Inter Provincial Coordination Division | Manging Director, Printing Corporation of Pakistan |
| Furqan Bahadur Khan | BS-22 | Secretary, Communications Division | Establishment Division |
| Zafar Hasan | BS-21 | Additional Secretary, Finance Division | Additional Secretary, Planning, Development and Reforms Division |
| Muhammad Asif | BS-21 | Director General, Federal Tax Ombudsman | Additional Secretary, Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Division |
| Sqn Ldr (retd) Shahrukh Nusrat | BS-22 | Secretary, Textile Industry Division | Establishment Division |
| Maroof Afzal | BS-22 | Secretary, Industries and Production Division | Establishment Division |
| Syed Tahir Raza Naqvi | BS-21 | Additional Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Division | Establishment Division |
| Chaudhry Mubarak Ali | BS-21 | Managing Director, Printing Corporation of Pakistan | Establishment Division |
| Sarwat Tahira Habib | BS-22 | Member (Legal and Accounting Customs) | Secretary, Federal Tax Ombudsman |
| Azhar Ali Chaudhry | BS-22 | OSD Establishment Division | Secretary, Textile Industry Division |
| Muhammad Hashim Popalzai | BS-22 | Secretary, Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Division | Secretary, National Food Security and Research Division |
| Hamid Haroon | BS-22 | Secretary, Postal Services Division | Establishment Division |
Chief of Naval Staff calls on PM
Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi called on the premier at PM Office and congratulated him on assuming office. Professional matters regarding Pakistan Navy were also discussed.
PM decides to appoint Shaheryar Afridi as minister of state for interior
Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to appoint Shaheryar Khan Afridi as minister of state for interior. The notification for the new appointment is expected to be issued later.
“Decided in principal, not notified yet,” a senior party leader confirmed to The Express Tribune.
FM expresses desire to better relations with US
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi stressed upon Pakistan’s desire to improve its bilateral relations with the US while speaking on the floor of the Upper House. FM maintained that national security and foreign policies are interlinked and given the challenges faced by the country, the Parliament’s guidance would be taken when formulating the country’s foreign policy.
Federal cabinet approves six taskforces
The federal cabinet approved constitution of half a dozen taskforces and three committees to review and suggest reforms in different sectors in line with ruling party’s agenda for its first 100 days in power.
Mazari rebukes Human Rights Watch
The government reacted strongly to Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging him to make human rights a priority of his government since Pakistan is facing multiple challenges on that front. Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said that the government does not need to be reminded of its obligations from outside.
PM to skip UN General Assembly to focus on country’s economy
Prime Minister Imran Khan will skip the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly and will instead focus on the country’s economy, Reuters reported.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will lead the country’s delegation to the 73rd UNGA session scheduled for September 18.
“No, the prime minister is not going. I will lead Pakistan’s delegation,” the foreign minister informed the media.
“The prime minister of Pakistan thinks that the present situation in country needs attention,” Qureshi told the media.
Arif Alvi submits nomination papers for president
PTI’s Arif Alvi submitted his presidential nomination papers to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Joint session of parliament to elect new president will be held on September 4.
COAS congratulates PM Imran on assuming charge
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at PM Office and extended his congratulations to the premier on assuming office.
Both discussed security situation and expressed resolve to bring enduring peace and stability in the country while also continuing efforts for regional peace.
PM makes maiden address to Senate
PM Imran addressed the Senate and said he would take up the issue of blasphemous cartoons at the United Nations in September. He also reiterated his resolve to make the government accountable before parliament.
PHOTO: INP
PM seeks suggestions to recover wealth stashed abroad
Prime Minister Imran Khan has given an ambitious deadline of two weeks to a task force set up to recover unlawfully acquired foreign assets by suggesting a way forward for expeditious retrieval of the ill-gottenwealth.
Prime Minister Office (PMO) denies finalising Dr Ameer Mohammad Khan Jogezai for the post of Balochistan governor. A statement issued by the spokesperson said Jogezai’s name was recommended, however, no final decision had been made in the matter.
PTI announced 23-member Punjab cabinet and a 15-member K-P cabinet.
PM Imran was recommended by an inquiry committing to remove senior NADRA officials including its chairman for RTS failure during results compilation process on polling day.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claims that the ruling party would not face any difficulty in getting its candidate, Dr Arif Alvi, elected as Pakistan’s next president in the upcoming presidential polls scheduled for September 4 as it had garnered the required support.
PM Imran nominated Dr Ameer Mohammad Khan for the post of Balochistan governor, a statement issued by PTI said. A pediatrician by profession, Jogezai has over 30 years of experience in medicine.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominated renowned poet Ahmad Faraz’s son Syed Shibli Faraz as the leader of the house in the Senate.
The position was previously occupied by Senator Raja Zafarul Haq who represented deposed premier Nawaz Sharif in the Upper House.
Shibli is currently chairman of the Senate’s standing committee on commerce and is also a member of committees responsible for planning and development, water and climate change according to his Twitter.
PM Imran visits FO
Prime Minister Imran Khan made his maiden visit to the Foreign Office (FO).
The premier was received by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and FO Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.
The newly-elected premier was briefed on the country’s foreign policy towards India, Afghanistan, Iran, United States, China and Saudi Arabia.
PM Imran meets CM Balochistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal at the Prime Minister Office with Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani and Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal in attendance.
The security situation of the province was discussed along with problems faced by the people.
Federal cabinet meeting held
Federal cabinet meeting headed by PM Imran was held at PM office. The agenda of the meeting was shared by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Twitter.
The newly elected federal government announced eliminating discretionary funds for the president, prime minister, federal ministers and members of parliament.
The cabinet also decided to carry out forensic audit of all mass transit projects initiated in Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Peshawar as well as the Orange Line project in Lahore.
The government also revised public offices working hours with a decision to maintain two public holidays in a week –on Saturday and Sunday. Daily office working hours have been changed from earlier 8am to 4pm to 9am to 5pm.
Mike Pompeo to visit Pakistan
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday confirmed that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would visit Pakistan on September 5.
During the press conference, the foreign minister also revealed that China’s foreign minister would visit on September 8.
PM offers assistance to Kerala
PM Imran offered to “provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed” to those affected by the floods in Kerala, India.
PM receives call from US Secretary of State
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo phoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and congratulated him on forming government.
PM Imran emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit.
The call created tension after the State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement that “Secretary Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process.”
“Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department on today’s phone call between PM Khan and Secretary Pompeo,” Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet.
PM Imran congratulated the nation on Eidul Azha and urged citizens not to forget people who are deprived in this hour of happiness.
The premier, in his message, prayed to Almighty Allah to accept our sacrifices and prayers. ‘Sacrifice is a universal devotion without which no nation can progress,’ he said. ‘Sacrifice aims at submitting oneself before the will of Allah.’
The prime minister also reminded the nation to remember the sacrifices rendered for protection, reconstruction and development of the country.
Canadian PM calls Imran Khan
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and PM Imran spoke on the phone. Trudeau congratulated the PTI chairman on forming government as the two leaders discussed human rights, girls’ education, climate change and refugees.
“I look forward to working together for people in both our countries”, Trudeau wrote on Twitter.
Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID) in a press release stated that Trudeau also appreciated PM Khan’s illustrious career in cricket and politics and wished him well for implementing his party’s agenda for the welfare of Pakistani people.
The Pakistani premier “also underscored the contributions of over 400,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin to Canada.”
Alice Wells welcomes Imran’s stance on peace with India, Afghanistan
US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on “the importance of having peace on both sides of Pakistan’s borders.”
The senior US envoy added that Pakistan has a critical role to play in the stabilisation of Afghanistan. (edit
Nawaz, Maryam names put on ECL
Deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and daughter Maryam’s names added to Exit Control List (ECL), reported Express News.
PM thanks Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending oath taking
PM Imran thanked Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending his oath taking ceremony and referred to him as an “ambassador for peace”.
“Those in India who targeted him are doing a great disservice to peace in the subcontinent,” the premier added.
The PM further added that Pakistan and India must engage in dialogue and resolve their conflicts including Kashmir.
PM Imran’s federal cabinet have taken oath administered by President Mamnoon Hussain.
Following are the ministers of the Federal Cabinet:
| Name | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem | Law and Justice | |
| Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema | States and Frontier Regions | |
| Noorul Haq Qadri | Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony | |
| Shireen Mazari | Human Rights | |
| Ghulam Sarwar Khan | Petroleum Division | |
| Zubaida Jalal | Defence Production | |
| Fawad Ahmed | Information and Broadcasting Division | |
| Aamir Mehmood Kiyani | National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination | |
| Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi | Foreign Affairs | |
| Pervez Khattak | Defence | |
| Asad Umer | Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs | |
| Sheikh Rashid | Railways | |
| Fehmida Mirza | Inter Provincial Coordination | |
| Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui | Information Technology and Telecommunication | |
| Shafqat Mahmood | Federal Education and Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage Division | |
| Khusro Bakhtiar | Water and Power | |
PM Khan also has five advisors in his cabinet:
| Name | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Shehzad Arbab | Establishment | |
| Abdul Razak Dawood | Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production and Investment | |
| Ishrat Hussain | Institutional Reforms and Austerity | |
| Amin Aslam | Climate Change | |
| Babar Awan | Parliamentary Affairs |
FM Qureshi gives maiden address
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in his maiden address on Monday, insisted dialogue between India and Pakistan is the only way forward.
“We are aware of our issues. In my opinion, we have no other solution than dialogues, there might be no other immediate solution, we have to accept realities. Kashmir is an issue, it’s a reality. Both countries have acknowledged it. Unfortunately, former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee is no more, but we need to hold uninterrupted dialogue,” Qureshi said.
The FM also said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly sworn in PM and has given a positive messaged of dialogue. Taking everyone on board will be part of policy, we are all united in the interest of the country.
Qureshi also said that the Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing has also been in contact, and there is great stress on infrastructure. “I would like to discuss the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and how to enter into the socio-economic phase.”
First meeting of federal cabinet
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired first meeting of the federal cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Islamabad.
General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Air Staff call on PM Imran
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan called on PM Imran at his office and congratulated him on assuming premiership.
Malaysian PM extends felicitations
Dr Mahatir Mohamad the Prime Minister of Malaysia took to Twitter to congratulate PM Imran on his appointment, adding that he looked forward to working with him closely.
Premier of the State Council of China calls PM Khan
Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang had a telephonic conversation with PM Imran. Keqiang congratulated him on forming the government and expressed willingness to work together to improve relations.
He also extended an invitation to PM Imran to visit China.
Committee to advise future use of heritage buildings
Federal Minister for National History and Literary Heritage Shafqat Mehmood has formed a committee to devise ways for best possible use of heritage buildings in the country.
Najam Sethi steps down
Najam Sethi announced his resignation from the post of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman in a tweet.
“I wish the PCB all the best and hope our cricket team goes from strength to strength,” he said.
PM nominates Ahsan Mani for PCB chief
Imran has nominated former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani as the new chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Naeemul Haque appointed Special Assistant for Political Affairs
PM Imran has appointed Naeemul Haque as his Special Assistant for Political Affairs.
PTI candidate Sardar Usman Ahmad Khan Buzdar elected Punjab chief minister after securing 186 votes against PML-N candidate Hamza Shehbaz’s 159 votes.
The premier calls for a parliamentary meeting of PTI leaders and coalition partners to discuss presidential elections and other government matters.
The Prime Minister received a congratulatory call from Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
While conveying his compliments, the Sri Lankan PM underscored the importance of both countries working together in diverse areas of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral relations
PM Imran addresses nation for the first time as head of government.
He makes the following major promises during his maiden address.
- Court cases to be dealt in a year
- Reform Punjab police
- 50 million housing units to be constructed
- Youth loans sans interest
- More than a billion trees to be planted
- Rights to services department will be created to deal with civilian issues.
The transcript of the PM’s first speech:
Imran Khan was sworn in as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan on Saturday at the President’s House. Mamnoon Hussain, the president, administered the oath.
Imran’s wife Bushra Maneka was present on the occasion, seated in the front row alongside National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser. Former caretaker prime minister Hasan Askari and PTI heavyweights including Asad Umar, Jahangir Tareen and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were also present on the occasion. Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu also witnessed proceedings.
Mohammad Azam, a BS-21 Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) official, has been posted secretary to prime minister. Suhail Aamir, a BS-22 bureaucrat who held the post earlier, has been transferred to the Establishment Division.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan after the PTI chairman assumed office.
“UN chief hopes for deepening of UN-Pak cooperation in various fields, including the world body’s flagship peacekeeping operations around the globe,” the Government of Pakistan twitter account said.
PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry confirmed Arif Alvi’s nomination for the coveted post of the President of Pakistan.
PM Khan on his first day also approved a 21-member cabinet. The cabinet comprises 16 federal ministers and five advisers.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been assigned the foreign affairs portfolio. Former K-P CM Pervez Khattak will be the defence minister while Dr Farogh Naseem will be the law and justice minister. Asad Umer has been given the finance portfolio.
PM Imran dismisses objections over Sardar Usman Buzdar’s nomination as new chief minister of Punjab, insists upon his party’s lawmakers to implicitly trust his judgment.
The premier received a letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulating him and thanking him for his support.
“The solidarity that you have displayed and the support that you have extended to us in the recent critical period that our country has been passing through, reinforces our belief that your sapient leadership will help further advance bilateral relations between Turkey and Pakistan to new heights,” the letter read.
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