ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi vowed to continue the journey of progress and democracy initiated by ex-PM Nawaz Sharif on Friday. Chairing the first meeting of Cabinet in Islamabad, the Prime Minister congratulated Federal Ministers and Ministers of State for joining the cabinet. While outlining his future plans, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reiterated that, “All projects including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), energy infrastructure to rid of load shedding, economic revival; and fight against terrorism to promote peace in the region and world would be carried out in letter and spirit.” He assured moral and diplomatic support of Pakistan to the people of Kashmir in their fight for self determination. The Prime Minister vowed to complete the developmental plans of ten years in next ten months. He showed his gratitude to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership for trusting him to run the country as its Premier. The Prime Minister was of the view that, “The cabinet will work both on short term goals and long-term targets simultaneously.” He directed all ministers to give presentations on their ministries in coming days to apprise him about their working. He told the cabinet that, “All ministers can approach him day and night and he would always be accessible to the cabinet members.” It was decided that Cabinet meetings will be convened almost once a week. Prime Minister told the participants that, “They are free to raise any issue in the meeting so that we can address those issues. The future meetings of the cabinet will be held in the evening to avoid disruption in office workings.” Furthermore, the Prime Minister encouraged the use of technology to enhance efficiency in the government departments. “The message of our performance must be translated into action,” the Prime Minister asserted categorically. He also desired maximum participation of Cabinet members in Parliament sessions. Prime Minister assured Cabinet members that he would also be attending all sessions of the Parliament. Prime Minister asked Cabinet members to take decisions regarding their own ministries themselves as he delegated powers to them. He said, “The procedure of sending summaries to Prime Minister Secretariat via Cabinet Division must be expedited to avoid delays.” Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked all Ministers to present their short term goals to the cabinet and entire cabinet will work as a team to accomplish those goals. At the end, the Cabinet vowed to take forward the vision of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif. The 32 point agenda was approved by the cabinet in its entirety. NNI