The prime minister also discussed bilateral ties with India and controversies surrounding his first three months at the country’s top office while interacting with a select group of journalists and senior anchor persons.

Hinting at possible changes in the federal cabinet in the next 10 days, PM Imran interestingly said that early elections in the country cannot be ruled out. The premier also said that he only came to know about the sudden increase in dollar’s value through television, adding that the State Bank took the decision without taking the government into confidence.

“We are working to introduce a uniform education and health systems, which will provide equal opportunities and to all,” he remarked, adding that the government will introduce health cards throughout the country, as well as a legal aid service to bring professional legal help within the reach of the masses.

PRIME Minister Imran Khan lived up to his reputation of being frank and forthright during his interaction with a select group of anchorpersons on Monday, dilating upon a number of domestic and foreign policy issues that keep on agitating the minds of the people for a variety of reasons. Apart from other things, the PM hinted at the possibility of early elections, change in the federal cabinet based on assessment of performance of its members in the first 100 days, expressed ignorance over move to devalue rupee in a massive manner and reiterated his position on his favourite topics of accountability and money-laundering.

Pakistan, PM Imran added, will definitely witness stability in the days to come. The premier admitted that almost every state institution was witnessing difficulties, but blamed the former governments for the circumstances. He reiterated that the government will not interfere in or influence any national institutions.

On questions related to misuse of power by state ministers, PM Imran Khan said not a single example can be shown wherein he had interfered in the matters of the state. He lamented that the chief justice referred to ‘nepotism’ in Zulfi Bukhari’s appointment as advisor to PM on overseas Pakistanis.

On the ongoing encroachment drive, the premier said he had explicitly directed the authorities to only go after ‘mafias’, and make sure that houses of poor citizens are not destroyed. PM Imran also vowed to rid the nation of corrupt bureaucracy and added that bank account details have been acquired with assistance from the foreign countries.

The market reacted in a panic manner to rumours about possible resignation of the Finance Minister, worst devaluation and state of confusion about economic and monetary policies of the Government. The country badly needs stability to instil confidence in investors and entrepreneurs but lack of clarity in some critical policies and poking of nose by NAB into every governmental decision and action have shaken their confidence.

There are also reports that even ECC decisions are not being implemented due to widespread fears and apprehensions among bureaucracy about actions of the NAB and some of the court interventions. Under these circumstances, it is advisable that the government leaders exercise extra care and caution while commenting upon economic and political situation. Instead, it is time to boost confidence of the people and the investors through a combination of legal, political and economic measures.