ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government has not introduced any governance or policy change but followed the footsteps of the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Despite launching criticism on every policy and governance move of the PTI government, the PML-N government found no way other than following the footsteps of the previous regime.
The most criticised loan program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is still continued in the PML-N government, whereas, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir appointed by the PTI government is holding talks with the global financial institution.
In another move, the PML-N government has retained the prices of petroleum products which was also announced by the previous PTI government. On the other hand, the financial relief provided by former prime minister Imran Khan on power tariff was ended by the PML-N government as it hike the tariff by Rs4.85 per unit.
After Shehbaz Sharif’s election as the new PM, it emerged that the government planned to close the panahgahs for poor people due to financial burden. However, the PML-N government clarified that the state-owned public welfare centres will not be closed.
The PTI’s initiative of Roshan Digital Accounts is still functional in the present government, whereas, a PML-N central leader and the adviser to PM Shehbaz Sharif, Miftah Ismail had praised the initiative.
In a Twitter message, the PML-N’s finance adviser said that the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Roshan Digital Account is an initiative that allows Pakistan’s diaspora to invest in their homeland on very attractive terms. “Lots of great products are on offer & SBP has exciting plans to expand these further. Our government is fully committed to supporting RDA,” he added.
Regarding Ehsaas poverty alleviation program, the PML-N government did not make any change except for reverting the name of the cash disbursement program to Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
The PML-N government has also continued the health insurance program started by the PTI government.