PTI Lawmakers Too Aren’t Happy Over ‘Parachuters’ in Cabinet, Tell Imran It Is Causing Media Trial
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has already facing severe criticism from the opposition over the induction of non-elected individuals in his cabinet, but interestingly the same reservations were expressed by his own party members on Wednesday.
As Imran chaired a parliamentary party of the PTI and its allies meeting ahead of the National Assembly session, the PTI MNAs shared their grievances.
"There is no visible role of public representatives in the government's policies," the members pointed out, adding that the inclusion of “parachuters” [non-elected individuals] in the cabinet was "unacceptable" and that it was allowing the opposition an opportunity to criticise the government.
They said there were people on the treasury benches who had the ability to perform but the unelected individuals were causing a media trial.
At this, Imran said their reservations were genuine but the decision taken only to fix the economy and that he "took responsibility for his decisions".
"[We] have to fix the economy. I take responsibility for my decisions. Your reservations are [justified] but some tough decisions have to be taken," the prime minister was quoted as saying.
"Removing Asad Umar was also a difficult decision. Asad Umar is still my right hand," the premier reportedly told the meeting.
Praising the local government initiative, the prime minister said during the meeting that the new system would change the country's destiny.
"Powers will be delegated to the bottom-most levels," he said and asked the members to fully support the initiative.
According to sources, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry were not in attendance at the meeting.
Imran further instructed the lawmakers to ensure there was no shortcoming or negligence in the Ramzan Package.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has already facing severe criticism from the opposition over the induction of non-elected individuals in his cabinet, but interestingly the same reservations were expressed by his own party members on Wednesday.
As Imran chaired a parliamentary party of the PTI and its allies meeting ahead of the National Assembly session, the PTI MNAs shared their grievances.
"There is no visible role of public representatives in the government's policies," the members pointed out, adding that the inclusion of “parachuters” [non-elected individuals] in the cabinet was "unacceptable" and that it was allowing the opposition an opportunity to criticise the government.
They said there were people on the treasury benches who had the ability to perform but the unelected individuals were causing a media trial.
At this, Imran said their reservations were genuine but the decision taken only to fix the economy and that he "took responsibility for his decisions".
"[We] have to fix the economy. I take responsibility for my decisions. Your reservations are [justified] but some tough decisions have to be taken," the prime minister was quoted as saying.
"Removing Asad Umar was also a difficult decision. Asad Umar is still my right hand," the premier reportedly told the meeting.
Praising the local government initiative, the prime minister said during the meeting that the new system would change the country's destiny.
"Powers will be delegated to the bottom-most levels," he said and asked the members to fully support the initiative.
According to sources, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry were not in attendance at the meeting.
Imran further instructed the lawmakers to ensure there was no shortcoming or negligence in the Ramzan Package.