The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government has decided to place 172 people on the Exit Control List (ECL) including former president Asif Ali Zardari. Reportedly, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary addressed a press conference after the meeting of federal cabinet today.
He said that the joint investigation team (JIT), investigating the alleged money laundering cases under the instructions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has revealed that government resources were used to launder money abroad.He vowed to ensure transparency in the accountability process regarding national assets. “We hope that Mr Zardari will consider this JIT seriously,” he said. Regarding former MQM leader Ali Raza Abidi’s murder, he said that the federal meeting examined certain aspects of the current law and order situation in Karachi, where an attempt has been made to disrupt peace and security of the urban city.
“Karachi’s peace is interlinked with the backbone of Pakistan’s economy,” he stated, adding that various criminal groups have been ‘reactivated’ in the city. Regarding threats being given by the MQM leader Altaf Hussain, he vowed that the matter would be raised with the British government as Abidi has been murdered following his threats. “We have seen Altaf Hussain’s incitement and orders from Britain to disrupt peace and commit murders here,” he said further, adding that his hate speech has went viral on the social media. Besides, he expressed annoyance over performance and result of CCTV cameras installed in Karachi.
The information minister said that polls for the FATA s provincial assembly will be held in June, and asserted that all basic necessities would be provided to the general public and the government has been committed to bring the tribal areas into the mainstream. Furthermore, he pledged that the government would increase reserved seats for women in the national assembly and senate.
