PM Shehbaz pledges probe into ‘toxic’ letters sent to SC, HC judges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that thorough investigation will be conducted into the ‘toxic’ letters sent to the judges of Supreme Court and high courts, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, the prime minister said this matter will be taken up with a sense of responsibility, advising everyone not to “do politics” over the threatening letters sent to senior judges.

Shehbaz Sharif recalled that an inquiry commission was formed after the consent and consultation of former chief justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani to look into the issues raised by the six judges of Islamabad High Court. He said the former chief justice however recused himself from heading the inquiry commission later. He said the Supreme Court has now taken suo motu notice of this matter.

Alluding to his meeting with different ministries the other day, he said he has decided to conduct sectoral review of these ministries in order to solve their problems. He emphasized this is important to take the economy towards self-reliance.

Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the gradual decrease in inflation, saying steps are afoot to reduce inflation and alleviate unemployment and poverty. He expressed the confidence that the IMF will release the last tranche of 1.1 billion dollars under the standby agreement this month after the approval of its board.

Shehbaz said the finance minister is visiting Washington where talks will be held with the IMF for a new loan programme. The prime minister said this new IMF programme is important for Pakistan, saying it will give stability to economy and confidence to other international lenders.

Acknowledging the fact that the IMF terms will not be easy, Shehbaz Sharif stated that their priority will be to minimize the impact on the poor and those already contributing through taxes. The premier emphasized that the burden will be shifted towards those having the capacity to bear it.

Referring to his visit to Dasu where he met the Chinese engineers and workers, Shehbaz Sharif said a comprehensive and foolproof security mechanism will be put in place in cooperation with the provinces for the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Decisions

The Federal Cabinet approved the appointment of members of the National Commission on Status of Women on the recommendation of the Human Rights Division.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Human Rights, the Cabinet approved the abolition of the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development, National Child Protection Center and Implementation of National Line of Action for Children. All the employees of these departments who are civil servants will be included in the surplus pool. The cabinet was informed that under the National Commission on Rights of Child Act, 2017, the National Commission on the Rights of Child has been established and in the presence of this, these departments have become unnecessary. Keeping in view the austerity policy of the government, it has been decided to close the departments. 

On the recommendations of the foreign ministry, the cabinet allowed former Naval Chief Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi to receive Saudi King Abdul Aziz Medal Badge of Honour of Excellent Class and Malaysian Award Darjah Kepahlawanan Angkatan Tentera.

Reporter Awais Kiyani