PM vows to ensure transparency in the senate polls

Prime Minister Imran Khan says government is fully aware of the problems being faced by the public and all-out efforts are being made to control price hike.

In an interview today (Thursday), the Prime Minister said he had joined politics only to eliminate corruption from the country.

Responding to a question about Tehrik-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s protest, he said the matter has been resolved and now its demands will be presented before the parliament for deliberations.

Imran Khan said he raised the blasphemy issue at all international fora as it is part of his faith.

He said we need to urge more heads of Muslim countries to join forces in raising this matter forcefully at the global level.

Replying to another question, he said Ulema of the country have an important role to control vulgarity in the society.

Answering a question regarding upcoming Senate elections, the Prime Minister said opposition had raised voice for open ballot in the past, but surprisingly now it has changed its viewpoint.

He said shifting from their stance reflects that the opposition has planned horse-trading in the upcoming Senate elections.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to ease rules and regulations for establishment of fruit and vegetable markets in the country.

Chairing a meeting of federal and provincial ministers as well as Chief Secretaries of provinces in Islamabad today (Thursday) the Prime Minister directed to ensure checking of prices of commodities.

He asked the provincial chief secretaries to take action against violators and the government officials should take care of people who face problems.

The meeting reviewed matters related to wheat, flour and enhancing markets for vegetables and fruits in the country.

It was decided that ratio of flour be enhanced to 80 percent of the wheat production and to curtail the expenditures of procurement, storage and transportation of wheat across the country.

Important decisions were made regarding partnership of private sector in establishment of fruit and vegetable markets.

It was also decided to review rules and regulations of establishment of markets in Punjab.

On the other hand, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Senator Faisal Javed Khan has said that holding of Senate Election on open ballot basis is aimed to ensure transparency in election process and eradication of corruption.

Talking to media in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that opposition is misleading the nation to hide their corrupt practices in the past and wants NRO from the government.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan will not give any NRO to corrupt elements.

He said opposition wants to amend in 34 out of 38 of NAB Laws. He said the nation also rejected the narrative of PDM in Lahore.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that Senate elections will be held on 3rd of next month.

According to Notification issued by the ECP, nomination paper will be filed by the candidates on 12th and 13th of this month while publication of nominated candidates will be made on Sunday.

The scrutiny of nomination papers will be made from 15-16 of this month while appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations will be received on 17 and 18th February. These appeals will be disposed of by the tribunal on 19th and 20th of this month.

Final list of eligible Candidates will be published on 21st of this month while candidates would withdraw by 22nd February.

The polling will be held on 3rd of next month from nine am to five pm in the Parliament House and all provincial Assemblies without any break.