Some elements doesn’t want to see stability in Pakistan: FM Qureshi

F.P. Report

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that some elements doesn’t want to see China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) going forward and stability in Pakistan.

Talking to media in Multan on Sunday, he said that there was no doubt that the country is going through difficult economic time, adding that the country’s situation was worsening when his party came into power.

The PTI government came to know about the fiscal deficit soon after coming into power, he said.

Qureshi said: “The government tied to avoid approaching IMF for bailout package but it needs to be think why the government had to go to the IMF.” The previous government had left a bigger crisis of fiscal deficit that was taking the country to bankruptcy.

“The tax on petroleum products was 56 percent during PML-N government that was decreased to 17 percent by the PTI government,” the minister added.

Earlier, addressing a meeting to review the performance of various departments, Qureshi said that the incumbent government was strongly believed in transparency and merit.

“In past, funds for the region were spent in Lahore which increased a sense of deprivation among the local people,” he said and added he would demand more funds from the Punjab government for improvement in the infrastructure of the city.

The foreign minister ordered an inquiry into corruption of Rs3.5 billion in Waste Management Company by Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He alleged that previous political leadership was involved in corruption.

He directed officers of Waste Management Company to meet the shortage of sanitary workers and machinery concerned and ensure the cleanliness in every nook and corner of the city.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi directed the officials to upgrade sewerage system at the earliest. He deplored and said that sewerage system did not exist at 35 percent area of the city.

During the last five years, only 1.4 Kilometre sewerage line was laid in the city, which speaks the ineligibility of the past rulers, Qureshi added.

Qureshi also directed to launch a crackdown against WASA defaulters for the recovery of pending dues worth Rs1.25 billion. He urged the local parliamentarians to raise voice in assembly for the redressal of local problems.

He also assured the district administration that the political leadership was standing by them for progress and prosperity of the city.