Opposition not yet responded to election reforms proposal: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the opposition had so far not responded to the reforms proposed by the government.

While addressing the National Assembly session, PM Imran Khan invited the opposition parties to sit with the government for talks on electoral reforms. This, he said, was important for the future of democracy in the country.

He said it had been his effort over the last two years to bring reforms so that the election results were acceptable to all. He stressed that the use of electoral voting machine was important to check the irregularities that took place at the close of voting process.

“However, if the opposition has some other suggestions on electoral reforms, we are ready to listen to them,” he said.

The prime minister said the government was committed to take the economy towards export-led growth.

He said initiatives in this regard were being taken in different sectors including agriculture, livestock and small and medium enterprises.

The PM said 60 billion rupees had been allocated in the federal budget for the uplift of agriculture sector. Tax exemptions worth 100 billion rupees were also being given to enhance the productivity of this sector and ensure food security, he maintained.

He said the Punjab government had launched Kissan Card Scheme under which the farmers would be registered to extend them facilitation. He said the small farmers would be given direct subsidy on inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. He said Kissan Markets would also be established so that the farmers get due price of their produce.

Imran Khan also reiterated that Pakistan could be partner in peace with the United States but not partner in conflict.