The Cabinet applauded recognition of Government’s policies regarding successfully managing COVID pandemic, Ehsaas poverty alleviation initiatives and environmental protection measures particularly 10 billion tree tsunami program that have been acknowledged by international organizations.
Federal Minister Asad Umer briefed the Cabinet regarding the new variant of COVID-19 Omicron. It was informed that the new variant is rapidly spreading across the globe and positivity ratio in Pakistan has increased.
The Cabinet emphasized upon use of face masks, maintaining social distancing and completion of vaccinations.
SAPM Dr. Faisal Sultan briefed the Cabinet regarding National Health Cards and universal Health coverage. The Cabinet was appraised that National Health Cards program will facilitate provision of quality Health services in far flung areas and development of private Health sector. This program will also improve service delivery in basic Health units in rural areas and Government Hospitals. Universal Health coverage will create a competitive environment for service delivery and create opportunities for public-private partnership. There is a misconception that this program will affect Government Hospitals adversely, rather it will help in improving quality of public sector Health facilities. Pakistan’s National Health Card program is a unique initiative in the developing world. Government of Punjab has allocated Rs. 400 billion for Health Cards.
The Cabinet was briefed regarding use of Electronic Voting Machines and Voting rights for Overseas Pakistanis. The Cabinet unanimously expressed that use of EVMs is now more than ever necessary after complaints of irregularities in the recently held local bodies elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Finance Minister appraised the Cabinet regarding weekly prices of essential commodities. It was informed that weekly inflation has recorded a decrease of 0.5% while as prices of food items has recorded an average decrease of 0.7%. Moreover, prices of 33 items have decreased.
The Cabinet decided that Ambassadors of foreign countries posted in Pakistan shall only contact Federal Cabinet members and federal Ministries through Foreign Office of Pakistan.
The Cabinet approved placement of “ Statement of Contingent Liabilities” with Finance Supplementary Bill before the National Assembly of Pakistan.
The Cabinet approved extradition of accused Abdul Qadar Ahsan from Pakistan to UK. This approval has been granted on the request of the accused to face charges against him in UK Courts.
The Cabinet approved appointment Mr. Nadir Mumtaz Warraich as Chairman, Karachi Port Trust.
The Cabinet approved reconstitution of Pakistan Tobacco Board. The reconstituted board will now be comprised of members from Federal Government, Provincial Governments and private trade associations.
The Cabinet approved appointment of Dr. Aziz-ullah Khattak as Member (Economic Statistics), Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan as Member (Resource Management) and Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal as Member (Support Services) in the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval of MoU signed between Government of China and CPEC Authority Pakistan. Under this MoU China will provide 3000 solar power generation systems to be provided to households in Gwadar free of cost.
The Cabinet approved appointment of Brig. Muhammad Asim Ishaq as Managing Director, National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
The Cabinet approved appointment of Mr. Bilal Anwar as CEO, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).
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