Daily Times

Will the government of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf be able to meet public expectations? Which steps are to be taken in the future?

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf has been in power for a year and a half, so it is premature to talk of public expectations. After Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaqat Ali Khan, Pakistan went down rapidly, mainly because of corruption. Prime Minister Imran Khan is working day and night for people living in poverty. The initiative is aimed at the poor and the homeless, which is the largest social welfare initiative in Pakistan. The upper class and middle class are under pressure at the moment but there is a lot being done for the poor, they are being given a loan, health cards and two-time bread to eat. The elite class cannot, but the lower class of Pakistan is feeling the difference and this is the state of Medina that Imran Khan mentioned.

Media houses terminated massive employees, do you believe the situation of media houses can be improved?

If media houses think the government will fund them, they will have to change their business mindset. If media houses were given ad money in the past, I think it is wrong and our country cannot afford it. I believe it will all be fine if media houses stop expecting to run on government money.

Is the difference of opinion between the Sindh government and the federation just about a change of IG or is the matter about something else?

There’s too much hype created in this case. If the chief minister of any province wants to change the IG of his province, it can be changed with the advice of the prime minister. The way it is, the federal government will propose three names to the provincial government on which the provincial government will choose, but the case here is that the provincial government presented five names to the federal government, but the matter would be resolved soon.

You are very old friend of Imran Khan and have served Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf well and long. Which steps of the government of Pakistan have out found the best?

Although Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf has made the best arrangements in every sector, but if it comes to the economy, it has improved better than others. According to the World Bank report, 20 countries will be part of 70% of the world’s total revenue in 2030, including Pakistan. Pakistan has been included in the world’s best travel countries, a major success in the department tourism has achieved.

The increase in prices and unemployment has created public concern, when will these matters improve?

Matters cannot be solved over night. When Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power, Pakistan’s state of was not stable at all, institutionswere in a state of extreme corruption, even institutions considered to be the backbone of Pakistan were in a state of loss. Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan International Airlines, are at the point of destruction and it seems, as if someone has plotted to destroy them. It will take time but they will be improved soon. The media has to play its role as well. These steps will benefit common man in long run.

Imran Khan speaks of frugality,yet we have witnessed the increase in the salaries of Punjab assembly members.

Imran Khan has reduced his personal and other expenses in government, he has asked ministers to reduce their office expenses, and have also directed them to live a life of simplicity. The costs of Imran Khan’s world tours are far less than the world tours of the past leaders. The country’s expenses increased through the visits of the Asif Ali Zardari and the Nawaz Sharif, their families were carried by the luxurious flights on international tours, which the public paid for.

There are whispers coming from PTI concerning Punjab’s chief minister, while Imran Khan himself considers Usman Buzdar as a well deserving name of this position?

Usman Buzdar is a capable leader and his efforts will be seen in terms of his performance very soon. Some people want to be considered for this position but it requires a lot of honesty and good reputation. Imran Khan has trusted Usman Buzdar. He also believes in performance while keeping an eye on these matters on a daily basis as well.

According to Jahangir Tareen, the Sindh government did not use the wheat quota properly and caused a drought. Who do you think is responsible?

If the intentions are clear, anything can be achieved. Imran Khan and his team are eager to serve the country with clear intentions. We are striving to get out of this misfortune as soon as possible.

The writer is a human rights activist, a blogger