Propaganda against Pakistan: Govt bans telecast of IPL matches

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, on Tuesday announced that a ban has been imposed on the telecast of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches in response to Indian propaganda carried out against Pakistan, ARY News reported.

The decision was taken in federal cabinet meeting after an ‘organised effort’ by India to harm cricket in Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhry said in a press conference here.

He added that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) will ensure implementation of the cabinet’s decision to stop telecast of the IPL matches on any TV channels in the country.

The information minister, however, urged sports, showbiz and culture should be made free from political conflicts that what the Islamabad government believed in.

He also criticised Indian broadcaster for not telecasting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the middle of the tournament and wearing of military caps by Indian cricket players which exhibited an aggressive posture by New Delhi against Pakistani players.

While answering a question, Chaudhry said that Indian PM Modi should rethink his policy after facing back-to-back failures even inside his own country.

Social Protection, Poverty Alleviation

Fawad Chaudhry, while detailing other important conclusions made in the federal cabinet held under chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said that the government has formally approved creation of ‘Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division’.

He added that Dr Sania Nishtar will head the Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division which will ensure coordination of different organisation working under ‘Ehsas’ social safety programme launched by PM Khan. Fawad said that low income people would be provided health cards and affordable housing facilities under the new programme.

Benazir Income Support Programme

The information minister announced that the government will not change name of Benazir Income Support Programme and financial aid to the poor people would be continued through BISP, Zakaat, Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal.

Security forces in tribal areas

The cabinet approved a budget of Rs57.3 billion for security forces including Khasadar working in erstwhile FATA, he said.

ECC recommendations

The recommendations made by the Economic Coordination Council (ECC) has been given approved by the cabinet while the council was directed to formulate a roadmap for betterment in agriculture sector.

He said the cabinet also gave approval to the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Council (ECC). He said the Prime Minister directed to prepare a complete roadmap on wheat, cotton, and rice and prepare a procurement policy to benefit the agriculture sector. Moreover, the cabinet decided to export one million ton of wheat.

The minister said that sugarcane growers received prices of their crop for the first time after serious efforts made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government.

Chaudhry said that PM Khan has directed to finalise a comprehensive policy for setting prices of vehicles.

Different boards reconstituted

The cabinet has reconstituted boards of state institutions including Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Corporation (SSGPC), and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

Chairmen of the key institutions have been appointed including Shamsuddin Sheikh as PMDC chairman, Qamar Javed (OGDCL), Dr Shamshad Akhtar (SSGPC), Syed Dilawar Abbas (SNGPL).

Chaudhry said that Hassan Irfan Khan was removed from the policy board of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO).

Airlines

Arshad Malik has been appointed as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of national flag-carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by the cabinet.

The cabinet has extended the license of Vision Air International for one year, Chaudhry said.

18th Amendment

While answering a question, the information minister said that clauses regarding higher education and health could be amended after political consensus.

Military courts

Fawad Chaudhry underscored the need for military court in the country. He added that the extension was made after consensus.

Moreover, the cabinet also approved the appointment of judges of different banking courts.

The information minister detailed that cabinet has conducted 33 meetings where 607 decisions were taken for 45 divisions. Of these, 375 decisions of the cabinet have been implemented so far, he added.