Pakistan's PM asks ministers, secretaries to ensure proper spending of budgetary allocations

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday asked the ministers and federal secretaries to review the new budget of their respective departments and ensure that the allocated funds are spent in line with the financial rules and regulations.In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held under his chairmanship here at the PM Secretariat, the Prime Minister said in line with the government’s policy of good governance, instructions are being issued to all the Federal Secretaries to ensure proper system of maintenance and reconciliation of their accounts on monthly basis with the Accountant General’s office.

He said these measures would help in curtailing re-appropriation, supplementary grants or excess expenditure at the end of the financial year.

Taking serious notice of political influence being used by a number of government servants by approaching Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, the Prime Minister directed the government servants that they are not allowed to approach members of the Parliament in any matter as per Rule 19 of the Conduct Rules, 1964.

He further directed that all those officers violating this rule will be dealt with strictly and action shall be taken against them under Removal from Service Ordinance and the Conduct Rules.

Gilani asked the Cabinet Members to ensure strict implementation of the directive. He said the government is in the process of formulating a system of rewards for outstanding civil servants.

The Prime Minister said that the National Assembly has unanimously passed the budget and on the recommendations of the Parliament, amendments have been made in the original document by making 20% increase in the salaries/pensions of BS 1-16 employees, waiver of proposed tax on SMS, carbon tax on CNG and GST on newsprint and providing relief for industrial sector.

The Prime Minister said that operation in the troubled areas is going on satisfactorily. The morale of the armed forces is high as they enjoy full support of every patriotic Pakistani. He said the nation pays tribute to those officers and jawans who have embraced shahadat for the sacred cause.

The Prime Minister said that a 27-member Special Committee of the Parliament on Constitutional Reforms has been formed which will revisit the controversial 17th amendment so that parliamentary democracy could be further strengthened.

Lauding the historic win of Pakistan Cricket team, the Prime Minister said that the government and the people are proud of their heroes who have brought laurels for the country.