Punjab had no role in wheat import: Naqvi

LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Monday the Punjab caretaker government had nothing to do with the wheat import issue and any inquiry committee would not find anything against him.

Talking to reporters at the FIA office here, former Punjab caretaker chief minister said the provincial government’s wheat procurement was solely restricted to purchase of wheat from the local farmers, not any foreign countries. He said the inquiry commission would not find any misconduct on the part of the Punjab caretaker government.

The incumbent interior minister pledges his commitment to accountability, asserting that he and his team had diligently worked for over a year. He applauded the efforts of police forces in KP and Sindh in combating terrorism and narcotics.

Mohsin Naqvi also addressed concern about over-billing in electricity bills, stating millions of units had been returned to consumers. The interior minister also vowed to tackle corruption in offices, promising extended hours at passport offices to meet public demand.

To address the issue of fake news, Naqvi announced formation of a new cyber body and highlighted the continued operations of the Federal Investigation Agency’s cyber division. In efforts to improve public services, Minister Naqvi reaffirmed the government’s stance on issuing arms licences in compliance with regulations, particularly concerning prohibited bore weapons.

Minister Naqvi also unveiled plans for expansion of Lahore airport, set to commence in the coming weeks. The interior minister emphasised the importance of collective efforts in eradicating narcotics and lauded law-enforcement agencies’ effectiveness in combating terrorism.