Govt rejects proposal to declare national emergency with regard to coronavirus

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet has approved 11 points, out of total 12, on the agenda of today’s meeting. Briefing the media about the decisions made during the meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the cabinet had approved the resignation of Board of Investment Chairman Zubair Gilani. She said that meeting had also reviewed the progress on the report of the flour and sugar crisis. “The meeting has once again postponed the import of pesticides from India,” he added. Quoting the prime minister, the SAPM said that trade is not possible with India under the current circumstances. “The PM has expressed dissatisfaction with the police regarding the electricity bills,” she added. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed for uniform pay scales of government employees to avoid discrimination. “Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has been directed to hold talks with striking employees and also work with central and provincial governments to remove this disparity and both should send proposals to cabinet, so that sense of deprivation among employees is removed. People have high expectations from this government and all steps would be taken to ensure it,” she maintained. The cabinet was given a briefing by Advisor on Institutional Reforms regarding the reorganization of government departments. The cabinet approved the proposals regarding various ministries and departments. It also discussed the quota of Islamabad residents in various government jobs and decided that 50 per cent quota will be reserved for domicile holders of the federal capital in various public sector jobs in grades 1 to 15. This quota will be applicable for jobs based in Islamabad. The cabinet was briefed on post coronavirus situation in the country. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari and Special Assistant on National Health Dr. Zafar Mirza apprised the cabinet of their talks with parents of Pakistani students in China and steps taken for their welfare. The cabinet also rejected the proposal to declare a national emergency with regard to coronavirus. The proposal was given by the Health Ministry.