Federal cabinet abolishes prize bonds worth Rs40,000, decides not to privatize PSM

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet meeting, which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan, approved abolishing of the prize bonds with the denomination of Rs 40,000 to check black money. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the government had decided not to privatize Pakistan Steel Mills. She said that PSM would be revamped with new vision and approach. She said that PSM was a national asset and it would be run on public-private partnership basis. The special assistant said that the cabinet had also approved Hajj Policy 2019. “The prime minister had directed to make Hajj-2019 scandal-free and provide all possible facilities to the intending pilgrims.” Firdous Ashiq Awan said that PM Imran Khan would himself inaugurate Hajj flight operation and for the first time Pakistani pilgrims would leave Islamabad airport after completing all formalities of immigration for a hassle free journey to the holy land. She said that the cabinet had also approved Senior Citizen Bill 2019 for the welfare of senior citizens. “Old Age Home will be established in Islamabad which will be later on extended to other parts of the country.” Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the cabinet approved National Commission on Rights of Child to prepare a database of abducted and missing children, procedure for work visas with North Korea, and appointment of Zubair Gilani as new chairman of Board of Investment. She said that the prime minister had directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prepare a new master plan to address housing and other civic issues in the federal capital. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Noorul Haq Qadri said that for the first time Saudi Arabia is extending e-visa facility to Pakistani pilgrims. He said that this time 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims would perform Hajj and the government had made excellent arrangements for their transportation, food, and accommodation. “A sum of Rs25,000-58,000 will be returned to Pakistani pilgrims under government Hajj Scheme as the government has successfully saved amount from excellently bargaining in transport and accommodation matters.” Dr Noorul Haq Qadri said that latest model air-conditioned buses have been hired for the transportation of Pakistani pilgrims. “Pakistani food will be provided to pilgrims from Pakistan,” he added.