ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers expressed theirgrievances over inclusion of non-elected individuals in the federal cabinetterming it unacceptable.
According to well-placed sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan listened to theconcerns of his fellows during a parliamentary party meeting ahead ofNational Assembly session on Wednesday.
The lawmakers told the prime minister that there was no visible role ofpublic representatives in the policies of the government, adding that theinclusion of non-elected officials in the cabinet was “unacceptable”; theywere apparently referring to appointment of Abdul Hafeez Sheikh as Advisoron Finance besides newly appointed FBR Chairman and SBP Governor.
The lawmakers told the premier that such a move exposed the government tothe criticism of opposition.
After hearing concerns of members, Prime Minister Imran Khan was quoted assaying that he took responsibility for his decisions.
“[We] have to fix the economy. I take responsibility for my decisions. Yourreservations are [justified] but some tough decisions have to be made,” theprime minister said.
On the issue of removal of former finance minister Asad Umar, the premierconceded that it was a difficult decision, however, hastened to addthat Umar was still his right hand, Geo News reported.
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The prime minister said that the new local bodies system would change thecountry’s destiny.
“Powers will be delegated to the grass-root level,” he said and wished toenlist the support of his party members.
Prime Minister Imran further instructed the lawmakers to ensure there wasno shortcoming or negligence in the Ramzan Package.
A few days earlier, the premier had announced the new municipal system,briefing senior journalists about the benefits attached to it.
