No compromise on accountability, says PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday said reforms will be introduced in different sectors, for providing relief to the common man, as pivot of policies of the PTI-led government is service to the countrymen. Speaking at a ceremony on Saturday in connection with the performance of PTI-led Punjab government in its first 100 days, the PM Imran said corrupt practices of the previous rulers have ruined the country's economy and our exports are only worth $24 billion, which is far less than small states. "We can move forward by learning from our past mistakes," he said.
Imran Khan said civil code procedure will be fine-tuned to reduce the time involved in disposal of cases. After introducing changes in the law, the courts will decide the cases in one-year time and this will be started in the centre Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan soon, he said.
He also said police reforms are necessary to depoliticize the department and make it a modern law enforcement force. He added that agricultural reforms are also very important, as it acts as a backbone of the country. Small farmers will be empowered and facilitated to raise their living standards, he added.
The premier said protection of minorities' rights is part of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who struggled for a separate Muslim country.
Referring to the protest of the opposition on NAB cases, he said these cases were initiated during the tenure of previous government and PTI government has no role in it. However, he said, the only difference is that the incumbent government did not stop the accountability process as done previously. He made it clear that there will be no compromise on accountability, as the country's future will be at stake if corrupt people are not taken to task. He vowed to rid the country of corruption.
"I have asked my party leaders to agree with every demand of the opposition except a compromise on accountability..."
However, he said there is a drama going on in the assembly where the opposition is accusing the government of political victimisation. He said the national security will remain under threat until and unless action against corrupt element is taken. "Stiff action against corruption is important for our future generation. Opposition can't tell us to back off from accountability," he said. He added that he joined politics 22 years ago to launch a movement against corruption.
Imran Khan said politicians ruled over Pakistan but made properties abroad. "The rulers continued to loot the country. Why did the nation tolerate them," he questioned.
He said, "Today s difficulties are the result of past mistakes. How can those worry about Pakistan who have their vested interests abroad," he said. Imran also said the PTI government will ensure rights of the people and all resources are being utilized to raise the living standard of masses.
He also appreciated the Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar's honesty and integrity. He lauded the Punjab finance minister for a comprehensive presentation about the provincial government's performance.
Addressing the ceremony, the Punjab CM said time has come to materialize the dream of a new Pakistan. Stating that the culture of status quo has been abolished in the province, he said all out steps are being taken, to strengthen the institutions in Punjab. He said that executive councils have been set up in the centre and Punjab to declare South Punjab a new province.
Highlighting 100 days performance, Sardar Usman Buzdar said 100,000 acres of land worth Rs 171 billion have been retrieved from encroachment mafia. "A new industrial policy has been approved, which will lead to employment of 1.2 million youth. A new policy is also being made for development of livestock sector while 10.25 million saplings have been planted in first 100 days of the provincial government," he added.
He said 'Sehat Insaf Card programme' is being launched from next month in four districts in the first phase, which will be extended to whole province in phases. He added that status quo has been broken in Punjab due to Prime Minister Imran Khan's 22 years long political struggle.
He said the PTI government has appointed women at top slots of its departments and institutions. He said four new technical universities while eight special small industrial zones will be setup. 'Good Governance Advisory Council' has been setup for the first time in province's history, he told.
"Agriculture policy has been made for betterment of farmer community. A new Education Policy is also been introduced for progress of education sector," he told.
In his briefing to the prime minister regarding the first 100 days performance, Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht told that foundation has been laid for a change during first 100 days.
He said revolutionary reforms are being introduced in every sector of province and special measures have been taken specially or progress of education, health and agriculture sector.
He said economic growth rate will be raised to 7 percent. He said that 3.5 million houses will be built in Punjab and new job opportunities created. Punjab Minister said that equal progress will be ensured for all areas of province. He said that progress of South Punjab is among our priorities.