Federal cabinet approves two ordinances relating to electoral reforms

Federal cabinet approves two ordinances relating to electoral reforms.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said, while briefing the media.

Prime Minister Imran Khan presided the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad Tuesday.

Federal cabinet approves two ordinances relating to electoral reforms

Fawad further said that the Cabinet had approved two ordinances as part of electoral reforms to ensure transparency in elections.

He said one ordinance will enable the Election Commission of Pakistan to use electronic voting machines in elections.

Other one empowers the ECP to take steps to give the overseas Pakistanis right to franchise.

The Minister said the government’s electoral reforms consist of four parts.

They included EVMs, e-voting for overseas Pakistanis, Biometric and Legislation.

Moreover, he said EVMs have been developed and the government has unveiled its legislation agenda for the purpose.

Fawad further said work continues on Biometric and E-voting.

He also referred to the ECP’s decision of recounting of votes in the by-election in NA-249 Karachi.

The Minister said re-polling should be held in the constituency because the winning candidate will be getting only five percent votes.

Coronavirus

Furthermore, he also spoke on the Covid situation in the country.

The Minister said the Covid SOPs are not being implemented in letter and spirit in Karachi.

Therefore, he suggested the Sindh Government should look into it.

He said the Cabinet has approved the Sindh Government’s request for deployment of the army for ensuring implementation of the SOPs.

90-day remission to jail prisoners on Eid ul Fitr

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said the Cabinet approved 90-day remission to jail prisoners on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr.

However, this remission will not applicable to the prisoners of heinous crimes.

He said the facility of succession certificates through NADRA is also being provided to overseas Pakistanis, and in the first phase, desks are being opened in twenty-four embassies.

He said the Cabinet has approved issuance of a commemorative coin to pay tribute to NED University Karachi on 100 years of its establishment.

The Minister said the Cabinet also approved to waive off 10 percent withholding tax on private sector bids in Railways.

Responding to a question, the Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will greatly contribute to expand bilateral ties.

GTV