Cabinet approves Sindh govt's request for deployment of army, two ordinances

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - The federal cabinet has approved approved the Sindh government's request for deployment of the army for ensuring implementation of the SOPs and two ordinances as part of electoral reforms to ensure transparency in elections.

This was announced by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry during to the media briefing regarding decisions taken in the federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The minister said one ordinance will enable the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to use electronic voting machines in elections, while the other empowers the ECP to take steps to give the overseas Pakistanis right to franchise.

Fawad said the government's electoral reforms consist of four parts, including EVMs, e-voting for overseas Pakistanis, Biometric and Legislation. He said EVMs have been developed and the government has unveiled its legislation agenda for the purpose. He said work is underway on Biometric and E-voting.

Recounting of votes in NA-249

Referring to the ECP's decision of recounting of votes in the by-election in NA-249 Karachi, the information minister said re-polling should be held in the constituency because the winning candidate will be getting only five per cent votes.

Deployment of army in Sindh

Speaking about the COVID-19 situation in the country, Fawad Chaudhry said the COVID SOPs are not being implemented in letter and spirit in Karachi, and the Sindh government should look into it. He said the Cabinet has approved the Sindh Government's request for deployment of the army for ensuring implementation of the SOPs.

90-day remission to jail prisoners on Eidul Fitr

Fawad Chaudhry said the cabinet approved 90-day remission to jail prisoners on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. However, this remission will not applicable to the prisoners of heinous crimes.

Succession certificates through NADRA to overseas

He said the facility of succession certificates through NADRA is also being provided to overseas Pakistanis, and in the first phase, desks are being opened in twenty-four embassies.

Commemorative coin to pay tribute to NED University Karachi

He said the federal cabinet has approved issuance of a commemorative coin to pay tribute to NED University Karachi on 100 years of its establishment.

Cabinet approves to waive off 10% withholding tax

The minister said the cabinet also approved to waive off 10 percent withholding tax on private sector bids in Railways.

PM's visit to Saudi Arabia

Responding to a question, Fawad Chaudhry said Prime Minister Imran Khan's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will greatly contribute to expand bilateral ties.