Staff Reporter
Lahore
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday declared as ‘pickpockets’, the leadership of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – an 11-party alliance – formed against the government. The PM said that accountability will continue no matter what they do as this is a decisive time for Pakistan.
Addressing Insaf Doctors Forum at Aiwan-e-Iqbal in Lahore on Wednesday, he said that all the “pickpockets” come together on the same stage and make noise, adding that for the first time, they see accountability.
“They are scared because for the first time there is a prime minister who will not be blackmailed,” he said.
The prime minister said that the system which does not have punishment and retribution always fails, adding that the mafia was creating hurdles in the way of change in the country. People have in the past been given promotions and salary increments without performance, he said.
“Those who had to make decisions would go abroad even if they had a cough and now we have to fix all these things,” he added. Imran Khan also lauded the services of doctors and paramedics who are at the forefront in the country’s fight against Coronavirus pandemic. He said the number of Coronavirus patients is increasing due to the second wave of the virus and we must have to adopt preventive measures in this regard.
The prime minister said absence of vibrant accountability process has damaged our society. He went on to say that the nation’s collective struggle was a must to realize the dream of a Naya Pakistan by bringing about institutional reforms and ensuring meritocracy.
“The people ask me where is the Naya Pakistan. The Naya Pakistan is not a switch (to turn on and get the result). Such things (happen) only in fairy tales. The reforms process is a struggle.
He viewed that it was high time the nation strived collectively, though the rectification of the rotted institutions was even more difficult than building a new one.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and other provincial cabinet members attended the convention.
