ISLAMABAD, June 18 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the cabinet members that austerity measures be implemented in letter and spirit.
Giving a briefing on cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said Prime Minister Imran Khan explained to the cabinet of all those initiatives that he personally took for austerity keeping in view the current economic challenges faced by the country.
He said cabinet members should set an example for others by adopting simple lifestyle.
Firdous Ashiq Awan said the media did not accurately report the amount allocated for Prime Minister House in the new budget. She said the previous budget allocated to Prime Minister House was 1.10 billion rupees.
The incumbent government spent 750 million rupees out of it and saved 32% amount.
The Special Assistant said in budget 2019-20 there is already a cut of 13% for the PM House expenses.
She said the incumbent government is even paying a sum of 280 million rupees in terms of outstanding bills of electricity left by previous government.
Criticizing the role of opposition in the National Assembly,
she said the undue criticism by opposition on budget is illogical.
She also criticized the besieging of NA Speaker at his chamber.
Glorification of crime will not be allowed and Chief Ministers have been directed to discourage giving of protocols to criminals in their court hearings.
She said prerogative of issuing production order lies with the Speaker of National Assembly and he should see the merit of it.
Special Assistant said no production order was issued for Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad during the tenure of previous government, despite the fact that he had no criminal case against him.
VNS, Islamabad
