ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan made his first speech as Pakistan’s prime minister late Sunday, giving a wide-ranging, televised address in which he announced reforms targeting corruption and focusing on human development in the rapidly growing country.
Khan addressed the nation for more than an hour, repeating many of his campaign pledges to build an Islamic welfare state but also touching on issues rarely mentioned by Pakistani prime ministers such as fighting child sex abuse and climate change.
The former cricketer also announced an austerity drive to trim back the trappings of government, such as selling most of the vehicles allotted to the prime minister, cutting down on staff and turning the official residence into a university.
"I will fight the corrupt. Either this country will survive or the corrupt people," he said.
Khan called for a progressive tax system, vowing to spend the money on the neediest -- such as malnourished children, and justice for victims of abuse -- and on fighting climate change.
Few in Pakistan pay their taxes currently, and he did not explain how he would enforce more taxation, especially on the rich.
Key points:
- Imran vows to cut down spending, launch sweeping reforms
- Relations with neighbours to be improved
- Either we will save country or corrupt will save themselves
- South Punjab province to be created
- New LG system to be introduced
- Development of Fata, Balochistan and Karachi will get priority
- Reforms to be introduced in police, govt schools, hospitals
- Nasir Khan Durrani to implement KP police model in Punjab
- Imran cites personal example, saying nothing is impossible
- Will do no business while in power
- Dr Ishrat to lead task force for cutting expenditures
- PM House to be turned into university
- No governor will stay in the governor house
- West has adopted Islamic principles
- Responsibilities of the rulers entail that they are Sadiq and Ameen
- Will meet chief justice for wrapping up cases within a year
- Health cards to be introduced in whole country
- Basha Dam to be constructed at all costs
- Govt will take strict action on child abuse cases
- PM House spread over 1,100 kanals, having 80 vehicles, 500 employees
- PM House bullet-proof cars to be auctioned
- Imran to live in military secretary’s house
- To keep two employees and two vehicles
- Madrassa students should also become doctors, engineers and generals
- Cricket grounds occupied by housing schemes
- FBR to be fixed on priority basis
- Overseas Pakistanis to be facilitated