The Federal Cabinet has decided that Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch a comprehensive programme worth six billion rupees to provide essential edible items on subsidized rates to the people.

Briefing the media in Islamabad this evening about decisions taken in the cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said edible items like flour, sugar, ghee, and pulses will be provided on subsidized rates through Utility Stores of Pakistan across the country.

She said this programme will be launched next week, while financial assistance cards be launched in the last week of the next month.

The Special Assistant said that health cards will be provided to deserving people through newly compiled database and those, who are not registered with the data bank will be extended assistance through Langar Khanas. She said network of Langar Khanas and shelter homes will be expanded to more parts of the country.

Regarding precarious human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the Cabinet passed a unanimous resolution condemning state oppression and brutalities on the people of Kashmir by the Indian security forces for last five months.

It urged the international community to take notice of the gross human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir. The cabinet also condemned Modi government's tactics against minorities through discriminatory laws like Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens.

Dr. Fridous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet commended Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts for raising plight of the people of Occupied Kashmir and the state of human rights in the valley on international forums.

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the cabinet was briefed that trade deficit has decreased by 40 percent, current account deficit reduced by 73 percent, foreign exchange reserves rose by 14 percent, and tax collection grew by 17 percent in one year. Besides, there were a substantial decline in imports and a rise in exports as well.

She apprised the media that foreign investment has reached to 2006 million dollars.

The Special Assistant said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared 2020 a year of economic stability and several initiatives will be taken in the beginning of the New Year for the benefit of common people.

She said the cabinet also approved making National College of Arts to an institute.

Regarding amendments in National Accountability Ordinance, Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet held a detailed discussion for the improvement of NAB laws and future roadmap. She said the Prime Minister especially urged the business community to invest in the country and help generating jobs for the youth.

To a question, the Special Assistant said that 800,000 ineligible people have been dropped from the list of BISP beneficiaries under a new survey.

Akram/Alina/Haider/Ahsan/Ghauri