Imran annoyed by ministers’ ‘difficult to manage’ statements

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly expressed displeasure at the unprofessionalism displayed by some of the PTI ministers, sources told Geo News on Saturday.

According to the sources, PM Khan said when he checks his mobile phone in the morning he is made aware of what crisis he will have to tackle that day. “When the opposition does nothing, some minister makes such a statement that it becomes difficult to manage [its after effects],” said the Premier during a meeting with the PTI social media team. “There are even some ministers who are found more in Kohsar Market than their offices,” he remarked in annoyance, referring to an upscale area in Islamabad frequented by people for dining out. Over the course of the meeting, the wheat crisis also came under discussion and the Premier promised a fact-finding report on the wheat and sugar crisis will be made public.

“Whoever is found responsible for the crisis will not be spared and will be held accountable no matter how influential they are,” said the PM.

A day earlier, in a meeting to discuss the artificial shortage of wheat flour and sugar in the country, the Prime Minister had ordered that the investigative report regarding the shortage be made public as soon as possible and that exemplary punishment be meted out to those involved.

In Saturday’s meeting, the Premier also regretted the “intentional spread of fake news” against the government, however, supporting the fact that “positive criticism on social media” needs to exist. He said it was necessary to ascertain the facts before “attacking the government”. “I am always prepared to handle a crisis,” he added.

PM Khan said often it is “our own ministers who fall prey to the media’s fake news propaganda”. The Premier said hopelessness is tantamount to sin and expressed confidence that the country will see good times soon.

In September last year, the Prime Minister’s Office had issued a “red letter” to 27 ministries for a “critical delay” in the tasks assigned to them. The letter — which is viewed as a final warning and an expression of displeasure — was issued to the secretaries for 27 federal ministries out of total 34 ministries.

Earlier, in March, the PM Office had announced that the Premier will be conducting a review of all the ministries and cabinet divisions of the government every quarter.