Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan warns corrupt officials of job losses

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has laid out an ambitious plan of ‘reward and punishment’ for government officers, bureaucrats and state functionaries depending upon their performance.

Under the new system civil servants would not be transferred or reprimanded as is being done presently but they would face suspension/dismissal from the service.

While addressing a ceremony in connection with the second anniversary of the Pakistan Citizen Portal, PM Khan made clear a bureaucrat found involved in corruption would be suspended from service rather than being transferred to another post.

Quick delivery

About Pakistan Citizen Portal that was launched in 2018 with emphasis on quick delivery and resolution of citizens’ grievances he said it was a major step on the journey to people’s empowerment, as the state and the government were duty bound to look after the weaker segments of society.

Pakistan Citizen Portal works under the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit. Imran Khan noted so far three million people have used the PCP for redressal of their complaints and their satisfaction level is very high regarding getting relief.

Citizen Portal is helpful in providing the government with input on who is performing better in a district and who isn’t, said the prime minister.

The portal was launched in 2018 with an aim to timely address the problems of the people and get their feedback.

The prime minister emphasized that people should use this option as they would have the power to get their problems resolved and would not be helpless.

It provides a complete picture about response and performance of ministries and departments.

He regretted the municipal services have appeared as the least responsive section in addressing people’s grievances.

This happens as our local government system has failed to deliver to people’s needs, said the prime minister.

Must deliver

The premier pointed out that a change happened in Pakistan due to the elections but the government would have to deliver. "This is not a favour, but it’s a responsibility and duty. Citizen Portal is a journey of people’s empowerment,” he said. In the western countries, citizens were empowered and expected the government to serve them since they pay taxes.

He was confident that it would be the best way to solve their municipal and problems at local government level, like pollution, waste management, sewerage etc: across the world, these issues were resolved by the local government.

The prime minister said in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, elections would be held and city government would be formed to take care of issues being faced by the residents, including water, sanitation, waste management etc.

A new local government system is being introduced which will usher in a revolution. It will be implemented at the village level where people will be able to elect their representatives who will directly receive funds every year, he added.