‘Political suicide’ to oppose voting rights of overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed on Tuesday that the opposition was committing “political suicide” by supporting the elements that are against voting rights provided to overseas Pakistanis.

“It appears that only the PTI is responsible for welfare of overseas Pakistanis, but the fact is that the entire diaspora is not associated with the party,” the minister said while talking to the media after attending a meeting of the federal cabinet that was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The minister said that he has failing to comprehend why the PPP and PML-N have been taking part in the campaign against the voting rights given to overseas Pakistanis.

Read more: With superficial leaderships, PML-N, PPP have no agenda, claims Fawad Chaudhry

“The move could also antagonise the expats,” he added.

Taking a jibe at the PML-N, the minister said Nawaz Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hussain may hold torn passports, but would still get an opportunity to vote for their father’s party.

Fawad also expressed confusion over Bilawal Bhutto’s objection on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections despite living abroad for many years. He said the PTI’s wants the opposition to first understand the EVMs and then give their opinions on the matter.

“They should take some time out to understand the system. It is unrealistic to criticise the initiative without getting any insight,” said Fawad.

The minister reiterated that the EVMs have been introduced was to make the election process free and fair. An awareness campaign on EVMs would be launched as well so that the people could understand its benefits, he added.

Price index showing downward trend

The minister said that the cabinet was given a comparative study of the prices of essential commodities and it showed that during past two weeks the Sensitive Price Index is on a downward trend.

“From January, he said a ration programme would be started under which 30 per cent subsidy would be given to those earning less than Rs 31,000 per month,” said Fawad. He added that the people who will benefit from the scheme would get flour at a cheaper price.

Fawad appreciated the Sindh government for taking some steps to control prices in Karachi and Hyderabad.

“Now, a bag of 20 kg wheat flour was being sold at Rs 1,456 in Karachi and at Rs 1,316 in Hyderabad. It was available in the rest of the country at Rs 1100,” he added.

Read more: Next elections will be held through EVMs, claims Fawad Chaudhry

The minister said per kilogram sugar was available at Rs 90 across the country except Karachi and Islamabad where the sweetener was being sold at Rs97 per kg.

“Fawad said vegetable oil was being sold at Rs 399 per kg across the country. Though, it was included in the list of essential items, but as it is imported from abroad the prices are dependent on the international market,” he added.

He said it was ridiculous to criticise the government on drawing comparison of Pakistan with regional countries on inflation.

”We are not drawing comparison of the country with France and UK; rather it is being compared with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India,” he added.

Except tea, he said every commodity including wheat flour, lentils, sugar, onion, tomato, chicken, eggs, fresh milk and even petrol was cheaper in Pakistan as compared to other regional countries.

“It should be appreciated instead of pursuing a specific propaganda as we are not living on a separate planet,” he remarked, saying the comparison with the regional countries was aimed at sensitizing the masses about realities around the world.

Cabinet condemns Sialkot lynching

About lynching of a Sri Lankan manager in Sialkot, Fawad said the Cabinet strongly condemned the incident as it was against Islamic teachings and was distorting the image of Pakistan.

The prime minister and the Cabinet directed the Punjab government to start the trial of the arrested suspects as soon as possible and take steps to punish them, he added.

“The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is committed to protecting the rights of every individual belonging to minorities,” assured Fawad.

“The way Pakistan’s society and government have reacted to this tragedy shows that we are very different from India and some other countries,” he noted.

Read more: All culprits involved in Sialkot tragedy arrested, says Fawad

He said in India, such incidents against Muslims happened on a daily basis but its government was reluctant to take any action against the culprits.

The whole nation is united on the Sialkot incident as it was on the APS tragedy, he said, adding every citizen of Pakistan was condemning the lynching.