ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to launch 15 important public interest initiatives apparently in a bid to restore the peoples’ confidence in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led government, Pakistan Today learnt from reliable sources.
At present, the PTI government faces huge criticism for its failure to bring an end to the economic crisis and reduce poverty and inflation. However, sources reveal that the prime minister has taken note of the growing unpopularity of his government and has decided to introduce policies which would serve larger public interest, said sources privy to the development.
The proposed plans were discussed in a meeting held with key cabinet ministers and secretaries.
Sources said that as per the PM’s directive gas and electricity consumers will now be allowed to pay utility bills in 15 days of its issuance instead of the earlier six-day deadline.
Sharing details of the PM’s initiative, sources said that the criteria for appointment of class-IV employees in the federal government would be finalized on priority by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Establishment. Similarly, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reorient the mission abroad to focus on business, exports and FDI besides taking measures to improve the quality and efficiency of the services offered to Pakistani workers by Pakistani missions abroad including the introduction of a queue management system where possible.
They said that the Aviation Division will develop and launch a mobile app for weather updates for farmers and the general public within the coming month. They said that the Communication Division will establish four dedicated driving license centres in collaboration with UAE, Qatar and other gulf countries to facilitate employment opportunities within one month.
Likewise, Ministry of National Health Service Regulation and Coordination to ensure the installation of an automated queue management/token system at the OPDs (Out Patient Department) of all the hospitals for convenience of the general public on the patterns of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) within one week. More, EAD (Economic Affairs Division) will firm up the pilot project to assess the water transmission system in the country with the help of JICA within one month.
As per sources, PM has directed that Ministry of Law and Justice TO finalize effective legislation against child pornography and abuse without further delay. In addition, the Law Division shall launch “Imran Khan Legal Helpline Email”, to provide help and assistance to victims of child abuse and other injustices within one week. And, the relevant ministries should work together to give a strong message that the government would take strict action against anyone involved in such crimes.
The PM also directed that District Administration shall organize Khuli Katchehris with public representatives on a regular basis with a view to resolving local issues. More, Secretary Establishment in consultation with Secretary Railways will develop a strategy on priority to post suitable officers in Pakistan Railways and meet its Human Resources needs at senior officer’s level. Furthermore, Overseas Pakistan Division has been directed to launch “Call Sarzameen” mobile phone app within 15 days.
It was also learnt from sources that the IT (Information Technology) Division will launch new innovation done by National incubation centres; Peshawar at the earliest. And, Power Division and Petroleum Division shall revise the time frame for the payment of bills to fifteen days from the issuance date to facilitate the consumers within one week. Last but not least, PM has decided and issued directions that ‘common man’s gallery’ should be designated where common people could come and witness the proceeding of the two houses of parliament. And, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs will take up the matter with the Secretaries of the two Houses immediately, said sources.
It is pertinent to mention that the federal cabinet has endorsed the decisions taken by PM Imran Khan to provide relief to the masses through such wide-ranging initiatives.