The Federal Cabinet has approved constitution of a special committee to make recommendations on implementation of Supreme Court's detailed judgment in the suo-moto case regarding former Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri's ruling.

This was stated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb while briefing media in Islamabad on Friday about the decisions taken by the Federal Cabinet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair.

The minister said the special committee to be headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will have representation of all the coalition partners. 

She said the cabinet also welcomed Supreme Court's decision that ruled out any foreign conspiracy for regime change in Pakistan. The cabinet meeting also termed the decision of the Supreme Court historic.

“The judgement of the apex court on the ruling of the former National Assembly deputy speaker is commendable and a milestone,” said the cabinet meeting.

“The judgement of the Supreme Court has ensured the protection of the Constitution,” it added.

The special committee in light of the Supreme Court’s judgement will put forward suggestions to the government.

The Federal Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was held in Islamabad in which members declared the apex court’s ruling as historic. The Cabinet members termed the court verdict as commendable and a milestone.

Tayyaba Gul complaints

She said it was also approved to constitute an independent and transparent Inquiry Commission under Commission of Inquires Act 2017 to probe the complaints of Ms Tayyaba Gul regarding her alleged abduction and harassment by the then Prime Minister Office.

She said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has been asked to finalize Terms of Reference of the Inquiry Commission. She further said the commission's inquiry will be time-bound to make it result-oriented.

IMF programme

Marriyum said the federal cabinet also reiterated to complete the IMF programme for development and economic self-reliance of the country. 

She said the meeting validated the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee that met on fifth of this month. These decisions include import of three million tons of wheat and permission to import luxury items lying on ports by paying additional duty of five percent and 15 percent as per their arrival at ports after the ban in import of luxury items.

Amnesty for foreigners

The minister said the cabinet approved an amnesty on overstay for foreign citizens till 31st December this year.

She said an awareness campaign will also be launched by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding this amnesty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbzqOXxur5k

The cabinet meeting showered Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Finance Minister Miftah Ismail with praises for successful negotiations with the IMF.

The cabinet members also welcomed the revival of the IMF agreement.

The transfer of relief in petrol prices to the people was also appreciated during the meeting.

“May this be our last agreement with the IMF,” said the prime minister.

The federal ministers will shortly give a briefing on the cabinet meeting.

Petrol price to be reduced if global market declines

Briefing the newsmen after Cabinet meeting, Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that protecting people’s lives and property was the first priority of the government.

She said that the prices of petroleum products had been reduced, adding that the decrease in the prices of petroleum products would benefit the people.

“If the petrol price in the global market declines, we will reduce it further,” she vowed, castigating that the previous government flouted the agreement with the IMF.

She also stated that the government had unwillingly increased the prices of the petroleum products, adding that the government was also trying to reduce transport fares.

“We will ensure economic stability for the people of Pakistan,” she vowed.

“The institutions have been directed to remain alert to deal with the flood-like situation,” said the information minister.

“The foreigners can benefit from the amnesty scheme till December 31, 2022,” added she.

 

Reporter Awais Kiyani