‘Unholy alliance’ of opportunists bound to fail: cabinet

ISLAMABAD: Unfazed by the opposition’s united move to dislodge the government through agitation, the federal cabinet was Tuesday of view that the masses would thwart the designs of oppositionists though unity.

The cabinet met at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the chair.

The cabinet members expressed their views during a discussion on the country’s political and law and order situation.

They believed the opposition had no objective but to harm the pace of good work being done by the government for the country.

The cabinet expressed the resolve that the ‘unholy alliance’ of disgruntled people would not succeeded in their intrigues.

The cabinet members were of view that the people who used to abuse each other in the past and hurl filthy allegations at each other were today sitting shoulder to shoulder.

“It’s the time to steer the election campaign with respective manifestos and avoid undertaking an agitation, as the general elections are just round the corner,” they opined.

They were of view that no amount of agitation could destabilise the government, but it certainly will adversely affect the life of peace-loving poor people. The cabinet took some important decisions about economy and other fields. It also approved the signing of an MoU between the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) and Bahrain News Agency (BNA). The cabinet ratified the recommendations of Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in respect of Ehtram-e-Ramzan (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to enhance penalties for violation of Ramzan and closure of cinemas/theaters during the fasting hours. The cabinet deferred ratification of recommendation of Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in respect of Amendment in the Loans for Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Purposes Rules, 1973. The cabinet constituted a committee to review the said rules and propose recommendations within two weeks. The committee is to be chaired by Danial Aziz, Minister for Privatization, with members including Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Power and Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for finance and revenue.

The cabinet approved an amendment to Schedule of FIA Act, 1974. After the amendment, certain offences under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) committed through Cyber/Electronic means/IT systems would be included in the Schedule of FIA Act, 1974. The cabinet also accorded approval for appointment of CEO / MD of Pakistan LNG Ltd. (PLL). Earlier a detailed briefing on graduation plan for BISP beneficiaries was given to the prime minister.

Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon, Secretary BISP Omer Hameed Khan and senior officers were present.