PM Imran Khan presents govt's 100-day performance

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said with focus on socio-economic uplift of the poor and a corruption-free society, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government during its first 100 days had set a direction to turn around the country’s economy through effective policy initiatives in diverse areas.

“During the first 100 days of government, we have made every effort to follow the model of the State of Madina and the footsteps of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Who pursued compassionate and people-centric policies,” he said addressing a ceremony here at the Convention Center to mark the first 100 days of the PTI government.

The prime minister during his address spoke at length on various policy measures, which his government had taken so far to put the country on right track in the areas of health, education, agriculture, business and industry, poverty alleviation, and curbing corruption and money-laundering.

He announced that he would soon launch a Poverty Alleviation Authority (PAA), which would be headed by himself, and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Zakaat and Ushr, Baitul Maal and other such institutions would come under it.

The authority, he added, would make overall supervision of various poverty reduction programmes to cater to the needs of the poor in housing, education, health and other areas.

The prime minister said the federal government had already allocated an amount of Rs 5 billion for the Akhuwat Foundation for the provision of shelter to the homeless poor people.

Imran Khan said after remaining an opposition leader for 22 years, he still had to remind himself that he was now the chief executive of the country.

Addressing a large gathering here at the Convention Centre, marking completion of 100 days of his government in power and its success in setting a direction for the “New Pakistan”, Khan brought the house down with his comments when he reacted to a slogan of “Qadam barhao Imran Khan hum tumharey sath haen” [Move ahead Imran Khan, we are with you].

Khan responded “Kidhar barhao, ab hum pohanch gaye” [Where ahead? We are already there], as the crowd, comprising a large number of youth burst out in cheers and laughter.

It was Imran Khan’s first public appearance in Islamabad and the jam packed crowd at the Convention Centre gave a rousing welcome to their leader as he arrived.

He got a long standing ovation as the crowd continued to cheer and raise slogans of Prime Minister Imran Khan and he had to ask them to settle down to listen to his achievements since coming into power on August 18.

Imran Khan said, “Even now when I am at home and watching television with Bushra Begum, and I react to a report – ‘This is injustice’; she reminds me that now you are the prime minister.”

Amidst the laughter, he said, “After being in opposition for 22 years, I still have to remind myself that I am the prime minister.”

The cricketer turned politician, who had won a knife edged general election in July 2018 with the strong support of the youth, set an ambitious timeline for his first 100 days in power and vowed to fulfill his party's manifesto aimed at the popular theme of uplift of the common man and end to corruption.

Earlier the audience witnessed a documentary that showed glimpses of the initial 100 days of the PTI government in power, in a 100 second clip.

PM's adviser presents report

Shehzad Arbab, PM's special adviser, highlighted the progress made by the PTI government so far. 

"We will strengthen local  government systems and set up village council to devolve the power at grass-root level," he said. "By the Grace of God, we have achieved most of our targets," he said.  

"Local governments will be empowered through legislation."

"We have achieved 14 points and work is under way to implement the remaining four," he said amid applause from the participants.

"We will introduce Naya Pakistan House Authority to build housing units for lower strata of the society," he said.  

Ease of doing business

"Our target is bring under top 100 countries regarding business activities," hes said.

FBR reforms 

He said that reforms would be introduce din Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in order to boost our revenue. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the ceremony and take the nation into confidence about his government's achievements during the first 100 days.

PM Imran, who is the chief guest on the occasion, will review the performance of his government since it was voted into power in the July 28 election. He is also set to make some important announcements.

The ceremony is attended by all federal ministers, advisers and PTI workers.

Earlier this week, the premier called an important meeting at his Bani Gala residence to review his ‘100-day plan’, where PTI ministers, divisions and ministries presented their reports related to the 100-day performance. 

PM Imran Khan ready to take U-turn

Finance Minister while addressing the ceremony said, "PM Imran Khan is ready to take U-turn for welfare of country."

Pakistan will sign agreement with IMF while keeping national interest on top besides exploring alternate options for economic relief.

Providing the  economic performance in PTI's 100 days, Asad Umar said, "Monthly deficit of $2 billion reduced to $1 billion."

PTI government will to create 10 million job opportunities for youth, he reiterated.

The minister added government will increase the existing 1,73,000 Small Industries to 7,00,000 in coming 4 years, while the existing loan of Rs 425 Billion for the industries will be increased to 2500 Billion Rupees.

We Want Peace With All Neighbours

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has so far established 73 bi-lateral and 16 multi-lateral engagements.

When PTI was creating its manifesto, it was very clear that the enemies of Pakistan wanted it to go into isolation.

"We decided to make a very strong Foreign office."

"It is for peace that I decided to make my first foreign trip to Afghanistan. We want peace with all our neighbours."

Pakistan wants peace and PTI has taken concrete steps for it. "The vivid proof was seen yesterday where the world witnessed our peace initiative of the opening of the Kartarpur Border," he asserted.