PTI Austerity Thread

[Savak]

Imran Khan to reside in PM House's staff colony after taking oath

Last Updated On 11 August,2018 06:32 pm

(Dunya News) – After taking all factors into consideration, the PM-designate Imran Khan on Saturday has finally arrived at the decision that he would reside in Military Secretary House located in Prime Minister Housing Colony, well-informed sources told Dunya News.

This development came after law enforcement agencies (LEAs) warned leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that PM-in-waiting’s Bani Gala residence and Speaker House are perilous as both locations remain vulnerable to terror threats.

Sources privy to LEAs further stated that both Khan’s Bani Gala residence and Speaker House don’t have complete boundary wall and sufficient numbers of check posts. The report warns miscreants can effortlessly target Imran Khan or any member of his family from both aforementioned locations.

On the other hand, Babar Awan told media personnel that Imran Khan will retain National Assembly’s (NA) seat of Mianwali and would vacate four others NA-131 Lahore, NA-35 Bannu, NA-95 Mianwali and NA-243 Karachi.

Link: https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/452200-Imran-Khan-PM-House-Staff-colony-taking-oath

 

[Savak]

Governor House cannot be bulldozed: Imran Ismail

KARACHI: PTI leader and Sindh Governor-to be Imran Ismail announced on Sunday that that he would stay in his own house after his appointment.

“The Governor House will be used only for official purpose. I will not stay there,” Ismail told media persons in Karachi a day after PTI chairman Imran Khan named him as the next Governor of Sindh province.


“We will cut the spending and see if the Governor House can be converted into a library or an educational institute,” he said.

To a question, Ismail said that Governor House was a historic building which cannot be bulldozed.

The PTI politician said that the opposition leader would be from his party which had emerged as the largest opposition group in the province.

He said that PTI government would cooperate with Mayor of Karachi to execute development projects. “We will also try to seek the support of PPP to carry out development work in the metropolis,” he said.

“The PTI government will lead on Imran Khan’s vision and bring about a real change,” he added.

Link: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/354275-governor-house-cannot-be-bulldozed-imran-ismail

 

[Savak]

Was watching a recent interview of Pervez Musharraf.

While he praised Imran Khan for his intentions to maintain maximum Austerity as possible, he advised him to not make sweeping decisions like converting the PM and President House into a University or Guest House just yet. He gave his own example that even though he was the leader of Pakistan from 1999 to 2007, he preferred to spend the vast majority of his time in the Army House at GHQ and only moved to the President House in 2008 full time. He said the biggest challenge is that when you have foreign dignatories and have to hold functions where you have to invite 200 plus people and the only place where you can host these dignatories is the PM or President House.

As far as security is concerned, he mentioned that during his time he tried to maintain minimum protocol and had even instructed his driver and cars to stop at red lights but unfortunately after there were 2 assassination attempts on him as a result of the 2 red lights, his security team had to bypass red lights.

 

[hussain.r97]

Was watching a recent interview of Pervez Musharraf.

While he praised Imran Khan for his intentions to maintain maximum Austerity as possible, he advised him to not make sweeping decisions like converting the PM and President House into a University or Guest House just yet. He gave his own example that even though he was the leader of Pakistan from 1999 to 2007, he preferred to spend the vast majority of his time in the Army House at GHQ and only moved to the President House in 2008 full time. He said the biggest challenge is that when you have foreign dignatories and have to hold functions where you have to invite 200 plus people and the only place where you can host these dignatories is the PM or President House.

As far as security is concerned, he mentioned that during his time he tried to maintain minimum protocol and had even instructed his driver and cars to stop at red lights but unfortunately after there were 2 assassination attempts on him as a result of the 2 red lights, his security team had to bypass red lights.

Musharraf is right, and I absolutely maintain that Imran Khan should not make sweeping promises on austerity, only to u-turn because it's simply not possible.

Yes, in countries like New Zealand for example, the PM roams freely like a regular citizen, however, Pakistan is far from being like New Zealand. Being PM of Pakistan is dangerous, Imran Khan's life will constantly be in danger. He requires some level of protocol, and I don't think it's a problem as long as life doesn't come to an absolute standstill whenever he goes out. If the protocol is well planned, then there will be minimal disruption to everyday life.

 

[Salman]

Imran Khan will require a decent protocol, plans to try and take him out have most likely already been discussed up by various government bogie-men from around the world.

All i want to see is more of Sheikh Rasheed riding on the back of a honda 125 smoking a cigar as he goes about his business.

 

[PetroDollars]

pm house should be kept but they can get rid of the presidants house, which is too big with his role being usless and then same with all governors houses.

 

[Mian]

Some very bold s steps announced let's see if they are able to do it.

 

[DrSchultz]

pm house should be kept but they can get rid of the presidants house, which is too big with his role being usless and then same with all governors houses.

President and PM houses are right next to each other. Ideally, they should both go.

 

[Mian]

Islamabad journos 'affected' by austerity drive launched by PM Imran Khan )

 

[MenInG]

If this is how things are on day 1, then our country is in great hands!

 

[PakWarrior]

Great thread Savak. We can keep up to date on all cost cutting measures by the PTI govt in this thread.

 

[Savak]

PPP and PML-N politicians criticizing IK on tv saying he is impractical, they will see how he runs the PM Office with just 2 employees, how he maintains the upkeep of the PM residence with 2 employees, he is going to unemployee the other 522 employees, if you don't offer some extravagance to foreign guests, if you don't have solid bullet proof and bomb proof cars, they will see how he manages to convince foreigners to come to Pakistan.

 

[Mian]

Poor cabinet )
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">نہ بسکٹ نہ پیسٹری،اجلاس میں وزیراعظم اوروزرا کی صرف چائے سے تواضع،ذرائع</p>— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) <a href="https://twitter.com/geonews_urdu/status/1031578139196051457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[InziRules]

Gimmick, since IK has money, but it's important because he's saving our tax money.

 

[hussain.r97]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the directive of PM Imran Khan I formed a committee to advise on the future public use of heritage buildings <a href="https://t.co/koSrU6cSHi">pic.twitter.com/koSrU6cSHi</a></p>— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shafqat_Mahmood/status/1031539343721156611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Islamabad journos 'affected' by austerity drive launched by PM Imran Khan )

If they are hungry they should eat at their homes

These biscuits we call them 'galletas maria'. Our mother used to give us in school lunch box Basic biscuits. Important detail.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Islamabad journos 'affected' by austerity drive launched by PM Imran Khan )

But still its not sufficient to beat Nawazo, his mother said one month ago " When he became prime minister first time, his father did not allow him to eat on government expenses, his father used to send him money every month from home for the expenses"

Hum sab ko sharam se khudkushi karleni chahye [MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=133865]hussain.r97[/MENTION]

Itnay azeeeeeeeeeeeeem insan ko hum ne jail me daal diya

 

[hussain.r97]

But still its not sufficient to beat Nawazo, his mother said one month ago " When he became prime minister first time, his father did not allow him to eat on government expenses, his father used to send him money every month from home for the expenses"

Hum sab ko sharam se khudkushi karleni chahye [MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=133865]hussain.r97[/MENTION]

Itnay azeeeeeeeeeeeeem insan ko hum ne jail me daal diya

This azeeeem insaan bought 80 cars and paid all 500 servants from his pocket. It doesn't matter where he got that money from, nor should anyone question why he needs so many cars and servants. The most important thing is that this generous and great leader paid for everything out of his 'own pocket'.

 

[Mian]

But still its not sufficient to beat Nawazo, his mother said one month ago " When he became prime minister first time, his father did not allow him to eat on government expenses, his father used to send him money every month from home for the expenses"

Hum sab ko sharam se khudkushi karleni chahye [MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=133865]hussain.r97[/MENTION]

Itnay azeeeeeeeeeeeeem insan ko hum ne jail me daal diya

where is the money trail of this azeem insan!

 

[Maverick84]

This azeeeem insaan bought 80 cars and paid all 500 servants from his pocket. It doesn't matter where he got that money from, nor should anyone question why he needs so many cars and servants. The most important thing is that this generous and great leader paid for everything out of his 'own pocket'.

Mian sahab hoon aidee ve raseedan kado how did you manage to spend billions from your pocket?

 

[DrSchultz]

This azeeeem insaan bought 80 cars and paid all 500 servants from his pocket. It doesn't matter where he got that money from, nor should anyone question why he needs so many cars and servants. The most important thing is that this generous and great leader paid for everything out of his 'own pocket'.

The 80 cars were not for his personal use but included the cars for all protocols, cars in pool for use of officers and staff working in PM House. The 500 servants are actually public servants which includes Directors, Deputy Directors, Personal Secretaries, Assistants not just khansamas and drivers.

 

[Mian]

The 80 cars were not for his personal use but included the cars for all protocols, cars in pool for use of officers and staff working in PM House. The 500 servants are actually public servants which includes Directors, Deputy Directors, Personal Secretaries, Assistants not just khansamas and drivers.

We are talking about PM House here not PM secretariat/office and these PM house servants were mostly from CDA they will go back to CDA they are not getting fired.

 

[DrSchultz]

We are talking about PM House here not PM secretariat/office and these PM house servants were mostly from CDA they will go back to CDA they are not getting fired.

are they really cda employees. why was their salary going from pm house. I think I saw some budget documents floating on twitter which showed this.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Asad Umar is riding around Karachi without any protocol at all.

 

[Asim_khan]

Asad Umar is riding around Karachi without any protocol at all.

Commend his bravery. Hope it's not stupidity.

One way of helping people have faith in the security situation of a place is if VIP's have minimal security rather than looking like we're in a war zone

 

[DrSchultz]

Commend his bravery. Hope it's not stupidity.

One way of helping people have faith in the security situation of a place is if VIP's have minimal security rather than looking like we're in a war zone

those high walls + barbed wires outside government offices and schools have given lahore the look of a war zone. they need to be brought down.
The citizens should feel ownership of public spaces.

 

[Savak]

Asad Umar is riding around Karachi without any protocol at all.

If he indeed takes measures against Money Laundering, Corruptions and leads to a reduction in our debt and fiscal discipline, I will fear for his safety from unruly elements in our country, he needs to have full fledged security and not be so naïve, stupid.

 

[shah_1]

I feel that numbers of cars or any protocol should be independently decided by security force. Anything happens to them will not only effect them but huge dent of Pakistan's image. Will any investor invest in Pakistan seeing lawmakers being attacked.

It's not bravery but sheer stupidity to become security expert yourself. They all represent Pakistan so it's important to protect them for Pakistan's sake

 

[Mian]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">وزیراعلیٰ کے پی محمود خان سی ایم ہاؤس چھوڑ کر منسٹر ہاؤس منتقل ہو گئے ہیں۔۔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DunyaNews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DunyaNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DunyaVideos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DunyaVideos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehmoodKhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehmoodKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KPCM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KPCM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KPKUpdates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KPKUpdates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTIofficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/HpaA7joMem">pic.twitter.com/HpaA7joMem</a></p>— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/DunyaNews/status/1032218890003197953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Eagle_Eye]

I feel that numbers of cars or any protocol should be independently decided by security force. Anything happens to them will not only effect them but huge dent of Pakistan's image. Will any investor invest in Pakistan seeing lawmakers being attacked.

It's not bravery but sheer stupidity to become security expert yourself. They all represent Pakistan so it's important to protect them for Pakistan's sake

I have to reluctantly agree with you here.

Security must not be compromised. Though one can argue that getting rid of hundreds of hangers on improves security.

 

[hussain.r97]

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Isn't the AC one a little too harsh? Or maybe trying to make the people understand what others in Pakistan have to go through?

 

[hussain.r97]

Isn't the AC one a little too harsh? Or maybe trying to make the people understand what others in Pakistan have to go through?

I think it's fair enough, no need to use AC's if the temperature is below 26C, especially when there is an energy crisis in the country. They can easily just use fans when they aren't allowed to us AC's.

 

[Syed1]

I think it's fair enough, no need to use AC's if the temperature is below 26C, especially when there is an energy crisis in the country. They can easily just use fans when they aren't allowed to us AC's.

No the doc means the AC setting will be at 26C and it will only be started at 11am, very harsh imo. You cannot be productive if you are hot.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Isn't the AC one a little too harsh? Or maybe trying to make the people understand what others in Pakistan have to go through?

Yes it is.No need for that measure.

 

[Fahdi]

I think it's fair enough, no need to use AC's if the temperature is below 26C, especially when there is an energy crisis in the country. They can easily just use fans when they aren't allowed to us AC's.

No the doc means the AC setting will be at 26C and it will only be started at 11am, very harsh imo. You cannot be productive if you are hot.

This was done by the previous government and they have decided to retain it. The idea behind it was to save electricity but it really is harsh. Temperature becomes quite unpleasant by 10 am. In university the lecture from 10 am to 11 am is quite difficult to bear. The 26 degree rule should be changed to 25 degree Celsius which according to the ASME is the temperature at which 80% of people are comfortable during the summers.


I think it will be good idea to implement day light saving once again (don't know why they removed it anyway). That would allow work to start early when the climate is cooler and temperature will be a lot better when the ACs come on at 11 am. I think say it will be good for the health of school children as well.

 

[Fahdi]

Imran Khan will not be using the government plane for air travel but will instead travel in club class, not even first class.

Though the thought is commendable the idea is quite stupid in my opinion. Not only does Imran Khan risk his own security but he will cause inconvenience for other passengers.

Also the plane serves as a mobile office so that Imran can utilize his time in the air for work.

And the plane will get you where you want to go directly instead of depending on flight schedules. What if the airlines don't offer direct flights to the destination? Will he catch a connecting flight where he has to wait for hours at the connecting airport.

Hopefully someone forces Imran Khan to reconsider.

 

[Syed1]

Imran Khan will not be using the government plane for air travel but will instead travel in club class, not even first class.

Though the thought is commendable the idea is quite stupid in my opinion. Not only does Imran Khan risk his own security but he will cause inconvenience for other passengers.

Also the plane serves as a mobile office so that Imran can utilize his time in the air for work.

And the plane will get you where you want to go directly instead of depending on flight schedules. What if the airlines don't offer direct flights to the destination? Will he catch a connecting flight where he has to wait for hours at the connecting airport.

Hopefully someone forces Imran Khan to reconsider.

Think it means travel within Pakistan and not foriegn tours. For foreign tours heads of states usually don't land at a commercial airports otherwise foreign governments would have to repeatedly inconvenience their own citizens for every visiting leader. So from what I understand the PM's jet won't be used for domestic travel but might be used for foreign travel.

 

[Maverick84]

Think it means travel within Pakistan and not foriegn tours. For foreign tours heads of states usually don't land at a commercial airports otherwise foreign governments would have to repeatedly inconvenience their own citizens for every visiting leader. So from what I understand the PM's jet won't be used for domestic travel but might be used for foreign travel.

Fawad ch tweeted that the PM will not use his plane fir international visits but will follow the current protocol for domestic travel.

 

[hussain.r97]

No the doc means the AC setting will be at 26C and it will only be started at 11am, very harsh imo. You cannot be productive if you are hot.

Oh, that is actually quite harsh... They need to at least provide conditions where they focus on their work.

 

[Syed1]

Oh, that is actually quite harsh... They need to at least provide conditions where they focus on their work.

IT ministry is under MQM guy who is showing extra efficiencies

 

[Maverick84]

No the doc means the AC setting will be at 26C and it will only be started at 11am, very harsh imo. You cannot be productive if you are hot.

26F is not that bad. When outside temperature is 40+, 26 feels pretty nice.

 

[hussain.r97]

IT ministry is under MQM guy who is showing extra efficiencies

I was listening to Farogh Naseem on 92 News the other day, and he was speaking very highly of Imran Khan, it seems like he's a big fan of the austerity measures being introduced by the PTI government. He was also speaking very highly of Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and it seems like he didn't like Farooq Sattar much.

Looks like there is some serious grouping within MQM. There is a pro-PTI group with KMS and Farogh Naseem, and a pro-PML-N group with Farooq Sattar and Ali Raza Abidi.

 

[Maverick84]

Imran Khan will not be using the government plane for air travel but will instead travel in club class, not even first class.

Though the thought is commendable the idea is quite stupid in my opinion. Not only does Imran Khan risk his own security but he will cause inconvenience for other passengers.

Also the plane serves as a mobile office so that Imran can utilize his time in the air for work.

And the plane will get you where you want to go directly instead of depending on flight schedules. What if the airlines don't offer direct flights to the destination? Will he catch a connecting flight where he has to wait for hours at the connecting airport.

Hopefully someone forces Imran Khan to reconsider.

Totally agreed. It makes no sense that the PM will travel in a club class where he can’t be debriefed when going on an important visit. Also that will be create serious security risks. Unsecured plane can easily be targeted from the ground. I don’t know a single head of state who travels in passenger airlines.

 

[Majid Khan]

Totally agreed. It makes no sense that the PM will travel in a club class where he can’t be debriefed when going on an important visit. Also that will be create serious security risks. Unsecured plane can easily be targeted from the ground. I don’t know a single head of state who travels in passenger airlines.

In an ideal scenario, you could make an exception to this rule for the PM or at least let him choose on discretion, but if he did that then those who had no problem with their own leaders enjoying all the perks and luxuries of power, would be the first ones objecting.

 

[WiiiCKET]

Isn't the AC one a little too harsh? Or maybe trying to make the people understand what others in Pakistan have to go through?

All old ACs must be replaced with Inverter ACs. It will save lot of electricity.

 

[Mamoon]

Our people get over-excited with this “saadgi” showbaazi, but we have to realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

All these auctioning of luxury cars and what not have been attempted before. PM Junejo had his eyes set on the lavish lifestyle of the military elite (something Imran is afraid to speak about), and when he returned from a visit to China, he was told that he was no longer the PM.

All this austerity showbaazi is not sustainable - the country will not become a bed of roses and the economy will not boom because officials are traveling in economy and are careful in the use of air-conditioners.

However, this sensationalism resonates well with the public and that is why they are over-emphasizing on it, but it mostly backfires (e.g. KP CM House was not converted into a library as promised etc.) because these showboating measures are not applicable or sustainable.

 

[Mamoon]

All old ACs must be replaced with Inverter ACs. It will save lot of electricity.

Which means replacing over a thousand units that will not be easily sold because people these days are not interested in buying non-inverter ACs.

The cost of replacing all the normal ACs in govt. offices across the country, which including investing in inverter ACs + installation/maintainence costs etc., is not something that the govt. needs to worry about now.

If they go for cheaper, local ACs, the chances of faulty units or running problems will be high, which will result in higher maintenance costs.

In the long run, consider the huge initial cost, saving electricity on inverter ACs is not worth it at all.

 

[hussain.r97]

Our people get over-excited with this “saadgi” showbaazi, but we have to realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

All these auctioning of luxury cars and what not have been attempted before. PM Junejo had his eyes set on the lavish lifestyle of the military elite (something Imran is afraid to speak about), and when he returned from a visit to China, he was told that he was no longer the PM.

All this austerity showbaazi is not sustainable - the country will not become a bed of roses and the economy will not boom because officials are traveling in economy and are careful in the use of air-conditioners.

However, this sensationalism resonates well with the public and that is why they are over-emphasizing on it, but it mostly backfires (e.g. KP CM House was not converted into a library as promised etc.) because these showboating measures are not applicable or sustainable.

I don't think anyone would disagree that these austerity measures are a good thing. However, I am kind of getting tired of only hearing about austerity all the time now. They have made their point, government expenses will be cut down, great.

Now I want to hear about all the other more important work they are meant to be doing. I understand it's early days, so I will give them another week or two, but I want to start hearing things about what initial steps they are taking to revive the economy, tackle unemployment and inflation, transform government institutions, reform NAB and FBR, reform police, solve the water and environmental crisis, transform health and education, establish law and order, etc.

So far, we have officially heard about PTV and Railways, which is great, but for some reason it has taken a back seat on our media, who are still going on and on about austerity.

I guess things will settle down after the presidential election next Tuesday.

 

[Mamoon]

I don't think anyone would disagree that these austerity measures are a good thing. However, I am kind of getting tired of only hearing about austerity all the time now. They have made their point, government expenses will be cut down, great.

Now I want to hear about all the other more important work they are meant to be doing. I understand it's early days, so I will give them another week or two, but I want to start hearing things about what initial steps they are taking to revive the economy, tackle unemployment and inflation, transform government institutions, reform NAB and FBR, reform police, solve the water and environmental crisis, transform health and education, establish law and order, etc.

So far, we have officially heard about PTV and Railways, which is great, but for some reason it has taken a back seat on our media, who are still going on and on about austerity.

I guess things will settle down after the presidential election next Tuesday.

Of course these are good measures, but as I said, it is just the tip of the iceberg. There are far bigger issues that need more focus now.

Cutting down these expenses alone will not make any difference. The reason why austerity showbaazi has taken center stage is because this is what sells with the public. The common man in Pakistan is easily impressed by this rhetoric.

Government expenditure is not the core issue. The country is not where it is today because Nawaz ordered x number of luxury cars and had employed x number of servants in the PM House.

 

[hussain.r97]

Of course these are good measures, but as I said, it is just the tip of the iceberg. There are far bigger issues that need more focus now.

Cutting down these expenses alone will not make any difference. The reason why austerity showbaazi has taken center stage is because this is what sells with the public. The common man in Pakistan is easily impressed by this rhetoric.

Government expenditure is not the core issue. The country is not where it is today because Nawaz ordered x number of luxury cars and had employed x number of servants in the PM House.

Agreed, these are just symbolic moves that will have very little affect on solving Pakistan's core issues. It is good, but I won't look too much into it.

They will only deserve real praise once they tackle the core issues. I am very hopeful that PTI will tackle Pakistan's core issues, but if PTI only manage to make good austerity measures and do very little other things, then I'm afaid there is very little difference between PML-N and their roads/metros, and PTI and their austerity. Both are just things that sell well with the public, but don't do much to address Pakistan's core issues.

 

[Halaribo]

It's amazing what people expect of PTI in 1 week what they didn't expect from others in 30+ years.

 

[hussain.r97]

It's amazing what people expect of PTI in 1 week what they didn't expect from others in 30+ years.

I guess it shows the amount of faith we have in PTI to deliver!

 

[hussain.r97]

Govt withdraws VIP protocol at airports countrywide

ISLAMABAD: Under the newly invoked austerity measures, the government has ordered immediate withdrawal of VIP protocol given by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to influential people at airports.

The decision took effect from August 26 (Sunday) after the Ministry of Interior issued directives to all officials concerned of the FIA to implement the orders forthwith.

The VIP protocol was usually given to politicians, legislators, senior bureaucrats, judges, military officials and journalists.

According to Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, “We have decided to strictly implement the decision to provide equal opportunities to all travellers without any discrimination.”

He adds that action will be taken against officials seen giving special treatment to any traveler.

It had been observed that influential people were given VIP protocol at airports so that they could avoid standing in long queues and get cleared their luggage without any hustle, he said.

“We have seen that influential people used to seek assistance of FIA officials at airports who (officials) accompanied them to promptly clear their luggage,” the minister said.

The interior ministry has directed the FIA that no government official or other VIPs would be given protocol at airports across the country.

Any FIA official, if found giving protocol to a VIP, would face strict action, the ministry warned.

According to the interior ministry, immigration counters at airports would be monitored and if any VIP was seen being given special treatment, the immigration staff and official in charge of their shift would be immediately suspended.

The ministry also directed the FIA to not harass passengers leaving the country.

https://arynews.tv/en/govt-withdraws-vip-protocol-airports/

 

[Bewal Express]

Of course these are good measures, but as I said, it is just the tip of the iceberg. There are far bigger issues that need more focus now.

Cutting down these expenses alone will not make any difference. The reason why austerity showbaazi has taken center stage is because this is what sells with the public. The common man in Pakistan is easily impressed by this rhetoric.

Government expenditure is not the core issue. The country is not where it is today because Nawaz ordered x number of luxury cars and had employed x number of servants in the PM House.

The PM and the elite using public funds to spend time abroad( NS spent 1/4 of this tenure abroad) or live with 500 servants, have zillion of cars and generally living in luxury and then say to the populace please live simply would have as much crediblity as Showbiz saying i am not a thief.
Just a small anecdote, i rang a friend on eid who moved back to PK a few years ago and i hinted to him that we can talk until the cows come home but unless people are willing to pay taxes nothing will change, and he told me he will as he believes IK is sincere and the others would have stolen it.

 

[Halaribo]

ISLAMABAD: Under the newly invoked austerity measures, the government has ordered immediate withdrawal of VIP protocol given by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to influential people at airports.

The decision took effect from August 26 (Sunday) after the Ministry of Interior issued directives to all officials concerned of the FIA to implement the orders forthwith.

The VIP protocol was usually given to politicians, legislators, senior bureaucrats, judges, military officials and journalists.

According to Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, “We have decided to strictly implement the decision to provide equal opportunities to all travellers without any discrimination.”

He adds that action will be taken against officials seen giving special treatment to any traveler.

It had been observed that influential people were given VIP protocol at airports so that they could avoid standing in long queues and get cleared their luggage without any hustle, he said.

“We have seen that influential people used to seek assistance of FIA officials at airports who (officials) accompanied them to promptly clear their luggage,” the minister said.

The interior ministry has directed the FIA that no government official or other VIPs would be given protocol at airports across the country.

Any FIA official, if found giving protocol to a VIP, would face strict action, the ministry warned.

According to the interior ministry, immigration counters at airports would be monitored and if any VIP was seen being given special treatment, the immigration staff and official in charge of their shift would be immediately suspended.

The ministry also directed the FIA to not harass passengers leaving the country.

https://arynews.tv/en/govt-withdraws-vip-protocol-airports/

Mamoon, how is your dad taking this news?

 

[shah_1]

People are commenting about Imran Khan going to Bani Gala daily using helicopter and Ali Muhammad Khan kind of comfirmed by calling it cost efficent.

He has the whole PM secretariat to get the meetings done. Not impressed at all

 

[Asim_khan]

People are commenting about Imran Khan going to Bani Gala daily using helicopter and Ali Muhammad Khan kind of comfirmed by calling it cost efficent.

He has the whole PM secretariat to get the meetings done. Not impressed at all

We need to release exact costs to show this is the most cost effiecent. We get them and it's all good.

You should be impressed though, thanks to Imran Khan and PTI we're finally asking for accountability from our politicians. I even saw a disheveled bedraggled Baby Bilawal standing in line at an airport.

 

[Mamoon]

Mamoon, how is your dad taking this news?

He retired a few years ago, so he is fine with it. Of course unless he is on NAB's watchlist.

However, I am a bit worried because I am contemplating joining the civil service in the near future. If that happens, and if Imran is still the PM, I would not be able to take bribe and kickbacks, and will have to work with honesty and transparency which will be a problem.

 

[Bewal Express]

We need to release exact costs to show this is the most cost effiecent. We get them and it's all good.

You should be impressed though, thanks to Imran Khan and PTI we're finally asking for accountability from our politicians. I even saw a disheveled bedraggled Baby Bilawal standing in line at an airport.

Maybe Billo was worried about his akhirat after what he has done as co chairman of the PPP for the last 10 years. Those cries of hungry children in Thar must be a heavy weight on any conscientious mind, you would think.

 

[Halaribo]

He retired a few years ago, so he is fine with it. Of course unless he is on NAB's watchlist.

However, I am a bit worried because I am contemplating joining the civil service in the near future. If that happens, and if Imran is still the PM, I would not be able to take bribe and kickbacks, and will have to work with honesty and transparency which will be a problem.

I bet

Is the medical profession not to your liking anymore?

Credit to PTI for stamping down on this. Certain perks can be introduced once the countrt is back on track.

 

[Badsha]

Of course these are good measures, but as I said, it is just the tip of the iceberg. There are far bigger issues that need more focus now.

Cutting down these expenses alone will not make any difference. The reason why austerity showbaazi has taken center stage is because this is what sells with the public. The common man in Pakistan is easily impressed by this rhetoric.

Government expenditure is not the core issue. The country is not where it is today because Nawaz ordered x number of luxury cars and had employed x number of servants in the PM House.

Imran Khan himself has said that these things are symbolic and to change the mindset of the country. The luxury cars Nawaz ordered IS a reason of our demise now because of the cost of those cars but the mindset and symbolism. These things matter a lot and they seep through society

 

[mmkextreme_1]

He retired a few years ago, so he is fine with it. Of course unless he is on NAB's watchlist.

However, I am a bit worried because I am contemplating joining the civil service in the near future. If that happens, and if Imran is still the PM, I would not be able to take bribe and kickbacks, and will have to work with honesty and transparency which will be a problem.

I hope you're being sarcastic.

But this a great initiative, those protocols at airports used to disturb passengers and delay flights. Just sitting in the VIP room is good enough.

 

[Savak]

PM- COAS army reform plan chalked down.
( IK- Less than a week in office and has shaken every corner of the system )

1. All 4/3/2 and 1 star houses along with Houses of Station commanders , logistic Area commanders , Static instalation commandants , Depot commanders will be auctioned or converted into hostels for Orphans of shuhadas .
2. All Army messes and guest houses will be privatized on the lines of KP govt tourism dept as million and millions are spent on its maintenance beside huge human resource is utilized / employed .
3. Policy of alloting plots to army officers as service benefits shall be stopped forthwith except benefits of shuhadas .
4. NCB or servant will not be provided as its misuse of human resources and burden of govt exchanger all Govt officers shall be treated under the same police .
5. All four star and below will be using only 1000 Cc cars as per federal govt policy .
6. No air cargo or heli service will be allowed to any army officer . All officers shall be using road services for meeting and other official duties . Heli service will only be allowed after special permission from COAS on case to case basis
.
7. All two star and below shall remove AC from their offices as per army rules and stand operating procedures .
8. All Available DHA plots will be auctioned and amount will be deposited for Debt clearance and Construction of dam .
9. 50 % concession votuers is waved off .
10. All Army officers residences must be metered and they must pay electricity as per normal rates .

 

[DrSchultz]

PM- COAS army reform plan chalked down.
( IK- Less than a week in office and has shaken every corner of the system )

1. All 4/3/2 and 1 star houses along with Houses of Station commanders , logistic Area commanders , Static instalation commandants , Depot commanders will be auctioned or converted into hostels for Orphans of shuhadas .
2. All Army messes and guest houses will be privatized on the lines of KP govt tourism dept as million and millions are spent on its maintenance beside huge human resource is utilized / employed .
3. Policy of alloting plots to army officers as service benefits shall be stopped forthwith except benefits of shuhadas .
4. NCB or servant will not be provided as its misuse of human resources and burden of govt exchanger all Govt officers shall be treated under the same police .
5. All four star and below will be using only 1000 Cc cars as per federal govt policy .
6. No air cargo or heli service will be allowed to any army officer . All officers shall be using road services for meeting and other official duties . Heli service will only be allowed after special permission from COAS on case to case basis
.
7. All two star and below shall remove AC from their offices as per army rules and stand operating procedures .
8. All Available DHA plots will be auctioned and amount will be deposited for Debt clearance and Construction of dam .
9. 50 % concession votuers is waved off .
10. All Army officers residences must be metered and they must pay electricity as per normal rates .

What a day that will be.

 

[Fahdi]

PM- COAS army reform plan chalked down.
( IK- Less than a week in office and has shaken every corner of the system )

1. All 4/3/2 and 1 star houses along with Houses of Station commanders , logistic Area commanders , Static instalation commandants , Depot commanders will be auctioned or converted into hostels for Orphans of shuhadas .
2. All Army messes and guest houses will be privatized on the lines of KP govt tourism dept as million and millions are spent on its maintenance beside huge human resource is utilized / employed .
3. Policy of alloting plots to army officers as service benefits shall be stopped forthwith except benefits of shuhadas .
4. NCB or servant will not be provided as its misuse of human resources and burden of govt exchanger all Govt officers shall be treated under the same police .
5. All four star and below will be using only 1000 Cc cars as per federal govt policy .
6. No air cargo or heli service will be allowed to any army officer . All officers shall be using road services for meeting and other official duties . Heli service will only be allowed after special permission from COAS on case to case basis
.
7. All two star and below shall remove AC from their offices as per army rules and stand operating procedures .
8. All Available DHA plots will be auctioned and amount will be deposited for Debt clearance and Construction of dam .
9. 50 % concession votuers is waved off .
10. All Army officers residences must be metered and they must pay electricity as per normal rates .

This has been floating around on social media but has it been confirmed? or reported by any credible source?

Plus somethings seem dubious.

I don't understand what they mean by 4 stars and below as Majors don't get cars. Army officers are allowed a car and a driver when they reach the rank of Brigadier, lower ranked officers aren't allowed a car. Changing that to a 1000 CC car seems reasonable.

Removing NCBs will unemploy a large number of workers. Plus they'll probably remain servants but as private servants will be paid less and won't get the medical benefits the army provides.

What are voteurs?

 

[Savak]

This has been floating around on social media but has it been confirmed? or reported by any credible source?

Plus somethings seem dubious.

I don't understand what they mean by 4 stars and below as Majors don't get cars. Army officers are allowed a car and a driver when they reach the rank of Brigadier, lower ranked officers aren't allowed a car. Changing that to a 1000 CC car seems reasonable.

Removing NCBs will unemploy a large number of workers. Plus they'll probably remain servants but as private servants will be paid less and won't get the medical benefits the army provides.

What are voteurs?

I am still puzzled as to why do people feel being in the army is very luxurious. It isn't in most cases. Sure you have the prestige where you say I am a member of the Pakistan Armed forces but the real prestige is once you rise up to Maj Gen, LT Gen, and General and get to the big coveted posts like Corp Commander, Chief of Staff e.t.c.

Plus these guys don't get paid much in Salary terms but yes the benefits in the form of free health care for family, servants, schooling, housing is there so that compensates and they would say after slogging very hard for 25-30 years for the country, retirement benefits in the form of a DHA plot worth crores is reasonable but these plots only get given to the guys at the top, the ones in the middle and lower ranks don't get much and in fact some Army officers retire early from the army because they then get a realistic picture of how far they can get in the army vs how much they can make and encash when they pursue other options outside the army.

If these measures are adopted against the army I will predict a massive exodus of retirements and decrease in recruitments.

 

[PakLFC]

Imran Khan's first speech in senate today.

 

[Badsha]

I am still puzzled as to why do people feel being in the army is very luxurious. It isn't in most cases. Sure you have the prestige where you say I am a member of the Pakistan Armed forces but the real prestige is once you rise up to Maj Gen, LT Gen, and General and get to the big coveted posts like Corp Commander, Chief of Staff e.t.c.

Plus these guys don't get paid much in Salary terms but yes the benefits in the form of free health care for family, servants, schooling, housing is there so that compensates and they would say after slogging very hard for 25-30 years for the country, retirement benefits in the form of a DHA plot worth crores is reasonable but these plots only get given to the guys at the top, the ones in the middle and lower ranks don't get much and in fact some Army officers retire early from the army because they then get a realistic picture of how far they can get in the army vs how much they can make and encash when they pursue other options outside the army.

If these measures are adopted against the army I will predict a massive exodus of retirements and decrease in recruitments.

If you are Brig of a coveted place like say Mangla or 111 brigade your life is VERY luxurious.

Also, higher ups have an incredibly luxurious life. Half my family is in army and they've retired at high/highest posts. The luxury is sickening.

You are right that up till colonal (in most cases) there aren't much luxuries.

 

[Savak]

If you are Brig of a coveted place like say Mangla or 111 brigade your life is VERY luxurious.

Also, higher ups have an incredibly luxurious life. Half my family is in army and they've retired at high/highest posts. The luxury is sickening.

You are right that up till colonal (in most cases) there aren't much luxuries.

We will have to define the luxuries. Is it servants? Drivers? Vehicles? I am pretty sure people in middle to top management positions in the corporate sector have the same amenities.

 

[DrSchultz]

Just hiring NCBs for all officers and JCOs must cost the national exchequer billions of rupees a year. Can you imagine such an expense???

 

[Savak]

Just hiring NCBs for all officers and JCOs must cost the national exchequer billions of rupees a year. Can you imagine such an expense???

Who are NCB's?

 

[DrSchultz]

Who are NCB's?

Civilian naukars for officers.

 

[Savak]

Civilian naukars for officers.

The officers can counter argue by saying if all their perks, privilleges are being taken away then they should be compensated by a big raise in Salary then.

 

[DrSchultz]

The officers can counter argue by saying if all their perks, privilleges are being taken away then they should be compensated by a big raise in Salary then.

Everyone can keep arguing. Colonial perks need to go. Raise in salary is justified because they do hard work in the armed forces.

 

[hussain.r97]

After FIA, Customs ban protocol at Karachi airport

KARACHI : Pakistan Customs on Tuesday issued a blanket ban on protocol for passengers at Jinnah International Airport.

Additional Collector Customs Sanaullah Abro issued a standing order for the same and added that passenger luggage would be properly scrutinised and no exceptions would be made.

Customs staff deployed at the port city’s airport have been informed of the order and will be penalised for non-compliance.

On August 26, the new government banned VIP protocol given by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to influential people at airports in keeping with its austerity measures.

The ministry of interior directed all officials of the FIA’s immigration wing to implement the order. Previous governments have also tried to end VIP protocol at airports but the issue crops up repeatedly.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1789643/1/

 

[DrSchultz]

KARACHI : Pakistan Customs on Tuesday issued a blanket ban on protocol for passengers at Jinnah International Airport.

Additional Collector Customs Sanaullah Abro issued a standing order for the same and added that passenger luggage would be properly scrutinised and no exceptions would be made.

Customs staff deployed at the port city’s airport have been informed of the order and will be penalised for non-compliance.

On August 26, the new government banned VIP protocol given by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to influential people at airports in keeping with its austerity measures.

The ministry of interior directed all officials of the FIA’s immigration wing to implement the order. Previous governments have also tried to end VIP protocol at airports but the issue crops up repeatedly.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1789643/1/

I think it is dumb to have FIA do the immigration and Customs to check for luggage.
Immigration should also be given to Customs just like in the US. Also just like in the US, FIA should be molded along the lines of FBI.

 

[Syed1]

I think it is dumb to have FIA do the immigration and Customs to check for luggage.
Immigration should also be given to Customs just like in the US. Also just like in the US, FIA should be molded along the lines of FBI.

In Pakistan there are multiple organizations doing the same thing, just take an example of IB, MI, ISI, FIA..... this alone leads to massive inefficiency and burden on the exchequer.

 

[DrSchultz]

In Pakistan there are multiple organizations doing the same thing, just take an example of IB, MI, ISI, FIA..... this alone leads to massive inefficiency and burden on the exchequer.

In my amateur opinion,

1) NACTA should be merged with IB, they are both working on anti terrorism.

2) FIA's immigration wing should be merged with Customs.

3) ANF - poor man's DEA, should be merged with FIA. No point in keeping it separate just to accommodate a retired Maj Gen as DG.

 

[Mamoon]

We have naya helicopters in Naya Pakistan that only cost 50 rupees/km. This is what you call austerity.
These new helicopters will be available to the public soon.

Courtesy: Minister of Disinformation, Fawad Chaudhry.