CDA auction shows confidence in economic future: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday commended the results of an auction for plots by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), calling it an indication of the people’s confidence in the future of the country’s economy.

The premier, in a Twitter post, said the auction resulted in the highest-ever returns for CDA amounting to Rs11.28 billion, which was a vote of confidence in the future of Pakistan's economy.

The auction results also revealed the extent of “non-transparent, corrupt practices” in the past, he added.

"CDA's biggest plots' auction results in highest ever return for CDA - Rs 11.28bn. This highlights 2 imp facts: One, it is a vote of confidence in future of Pakistan's economy; two, it reveals how much money has been lost in the past because of non-transparent, corrupt practices," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend and address a public meeting in the province’s historic city Larkana. The governor had meeting with the prime minister at his residence on Friday and extended the invitation.

The official release of the Prime Minister Office didn’t give schedule of the public meeting at the birthplace of late ZA Bhutto and deemed to be stronghold of the PPP, but it has been speculated that it would be held in about three weeks. The move is considered to be interesting in the wake of race between the federal and provincial ruling parties i.e. PTI and PPP for conducting public gatherings in the interior province to malign each other’s leadership. The sources said that provincial governor had discussion with the prime minister about the political and law and order situation in the province which is ruled by the PTI’s opponent PPP. The official release stated that during the meeting, developmental projects in Sindh and particularly progress on the projects worth Rs162 billion for Karachi by the prime minister were reviewed. The governor also presented different proposals for the establishment of Hyderabad University to the prime minister.

In another meeting with leader of Balochistan Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, who is also chief of the provincial chapter of the PTI, Imran Khan said that development and reconstruction of Balochistan is top priority of the PTI government, which is evident from province's enhanced share in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He said the federal government will fully cooperate for the resolution of problems being faced by the people of Balochistan. During the meeting, views were also exchanged on matters related to Balochistan, construction of dams and progress on Kachhi canal project.

Minister for National Food Security Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan also called on Imran Khan earlier. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

Punjab Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Yasir Humayun had an important meeting with Imran Khan during which they discussed matters pertaining to promotion of higher education and tourism in the province.