Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Tuesday that the government plans to sell state-owned land in major cities to overseas Pakistanis. This move aims to generate essential financial resources for the country.
During a federal cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging valuable land assets to attract investment from Pakistanis living abroad.
Initiative for Financial Resources
The Prime Minister outlined that government-owned land located in major cities would be offered for sale to overseas Pakistanis. This initiative is expected to attract significant investments, providing much-needed financial resources to the national exchequer. The plan reflects the government’s commitment to engaging the Pakistani diaspora in national development efforts and tapping into their potential to boost the economy.
Think-Tanks for Enhanced Governance
In addition to the land sale initiative, Prime Minister Khan directed all ministries to expedite the establishment of think-tanks. These think-tanks will comprise area experts and professionals, aiming to bring about qualitative improvements in the performance and output of various ministries. The creation of specialized think-tanks is intended to enhance policy-making and implementation across different sectors.
Economic Coordination Committee Decisions
The cabinet ratified the decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its meetings held on April 22 and April 27, 2020. Among these decisions was a directive to ban the export of all edible items consumed by the common man, given the current economic situation. This decision will be reviewed after two weeks to ensure food security within the country.
Relief Package for Labor
Prime Minister Khan also approved a Rs. 75 billion relief package for labor in the first phase. He instructed the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Social Welfare and the Minister for Industries to develop a comprehensive mechanism for providing relief to laborers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief package aims to support workers who have been economically impacted by the crisis.
Legislative and Regulatory Approvals
The cabinet approved several legislative and regulatory measures, including the “Netting of Financial Contracts Bill, 2020.” This bill aims to eliminate uncertainties in enforcing netting rights in cases of bankruptcy or insolvency, ensuring that qualified financial contracts are settled on a netting basis. The cabinet also approved a proposal mandating all electricity and gas supply companies to become members of a Credit Bureau and furnish information in accordance with the Credit Bureau Act, 2015.
Support for Journalists
In a move to support the media sector, the cabinet approved the allocation of grant-in-aid from the federal government for journalists and journalistic bodies, especially press clubs. The Minister for Information and SAPM for Information were tasked with finalizing the procedure for disbursing the grant to deserving journalists.
Corporate Restructuring and Appointments
The cabinet approved the restructuring of the Board of Directors of Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), appointing Aftab Hussain (Sindh), Abdul Hadi Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Ms. Bushra Naz Malik (Punjab/Women representative) as new board members. Additionally, the cabinet approved the nomination of directors to fill casual vacancies on the boards of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
Healthcare Workers’ Assistance Package
A new assistance package was approved for healthcare workers involved in COVID-19-related duties. Any healthcare worker who dies while performing COVID-19-related duties will be entitled to the same benefits as government servants under the Shuhada Package, applicable in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Extension for Sugar Inquiry Report
The cabinet granted a three-week extension to the Inquiry Commission investigating the recent increase in sugar prices. The additional time will allow for a thorough examination and reporting of the findings.
Chloroquine Export Modalities
Lastly, the cabinet approved the modalities for the export of chloroquine by importers in possession of raw materials, ensuring that the pharmaceutical needs of the country are met while allowing surplus production to be exported.
These decisions underscore the government’s proactive approach to addressing economic challenges, supporting labor and healthcare workers, and ensuring efficient governance through expert-led think-tanks and strategic legislative measures.
