Fawad Chaudhry Denies Reports of Reshuffle in Ministers portfolio

Published On 15 Feb, 2021
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Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry Monday rejected reports of reshuffle in the cabinet, saying there is no truth in such reports.

He explained in a tweet that it was the prerogative of the prime minister to change ministerial portfolios and urged the media to report with responsibility, as Pakistan was passing through a critical phase and such kind of speculations triggered panic, which was not in Pakistan’s interests.

Later, while talking to reporters, the minister said the prime minister had sent a message that reports about changes in the ministries were incorrect. He noted that whenever Pakistan entered into critical talks with the IMF, speculations would be spread to the detriment of Pakistan.

Prime Minister has sent message that wrong reports were being aired on media, he said, adding that such reports should not be run prior to its verification.

Chaudhry said that false reports caused damages to the image of the country and media as well.

“The reports emerge when talks with IMF are in final phase. Major updates are due in next two days regarding national economy,” he said. Chaudhry added, “Progress is also being witnessed in  positive direction pertains to the matter of Financial Action Task Force (FATF).”

The minister confirmed that performance reports of ministers reached out to PM Imran Khan. He said that the nation would be made aware of any development if the government takes any decision regarding ministers’ portfolios.

The information minister further added that Pakistan has held dialogues with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and [Finance Minister] Asad Umar will give a statement regarding the development.

Fawad expressed confidence that China and Pakistan together would emerge as big players in the field of technology. He said this while speaking here at Huawei Pakistan Mobile Summit Monday. The minister pointed out that Pakistan and China had always remained great friends. However, he explained that under leadership of President Xi Jinping, the whole dynamics of this relationship had changed. He said both the countries had strategic economic and technological relations.

Fawad noted that future belonged to technology and Pakistan had to embrace modern technology to move forward and keep pace with the world. “We have to support our technology companies and facilitate our youth to acquire scientific and technological education,” he said. He recalled that there was a time when Pakistan used to locally manufacture transmitters and radio equipment, but now everything was being imported. “We have decided to establish a Media University where students will be imparted education keeping in view the latest technological trends in the field of media,” he said.

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said promotion of information and technology was imperative to achieve the goal of development in the comity of nations. He said the high standard of education could pave the path of digitalisation of Pakistan to compete in the current era in the field of evolving technology. He added the government was committed to providing opportunities to youth to excel in their lives.