PDM politics at a 'dead end', says Shibli Faraz

• Minister says that the second wave of coronavirus has increased the burden on hospitals
• NEPRA Annual Report 2019-20 was presented to the Cabinet
  
• Cabinet has approved an amendment to Capital Development Authority (CDA) Order 1960
  
• ECL amendment will be tabled in the Cabinet for final approval
  

Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz on Tuesday criticised the Opposition for holding Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rallies despite the second wave of coronavirus and said that the “PDM politics has reached a dead end”.

Addressing a press conference, the federal minister lamented the increased burden on hospitals due to the virus' second wave. He said the positivity rate has spiked especially in areas where the PDM rallies took place.

Read more: Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan blames PDM for Usman Buzdar contracting coronavirus

“The internal differences between the political parties that are a part of the PDM are coming to the fore. The Opposition movement has been badly exposed due to contradiction in its words and deeds,” he alleged.

Stressing that the reputation of the leader of any movement is very crucial, he said that the PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's reputation has been adversely affected.

“Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who wears the cloak of religion, does not follow the law. Maulana Sherani has admitted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is self-selected,” the PTI minister went on to add.

Cabinet approvals

Touching upon other decisions and developments made during the cabinet meeting today, Faraz said that the NEPRA Annual Report 2019-20 was presented to the Cabinet.

He also said that the Cabinet has approved an amendment to Capital Development Authority (CDA) Order 1960 and a census report to the Council of Common Interests.

Read more: PDM ready for second phase of anti-government agitation, schedule issued

He further said that the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for December 16 and 20 were ratified and the cabinet has also approved the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of Agricultural Development Bank.

The minister also stressed that the PTI-government is focusing on the issue of revolving loans for affordable power supply.

The Ministry of Interior has been permitted to amend the Exit Control List (ECL) law, he said, adding that the ECL amendment will be tabled in the Cabinet for final approval.

There will be a committee comprising Home Minister and Law Minister to amend the ECL law, he said.

Highlighting the surplus in the current account, and increase in remittances and exports, he said that the country is on the path of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“PM Imran Khan has made a prominent place in politics with hard work and dedication,” he asserted, warning that those who put personal interests first "will only be disgraced".