Pakistan PM vows change in address
ISLAMABAD — Imran Khan made his first speech as Pakistan’s prime minister late on Sunday, giving a wide-ranging, televised address in which he announced reforms targeting corruption and focusing on human development in the rapidly growing country.
Khan addressed the nation for more than an hour, repeating many of his campaign pledges to build an Islamic welfare state but also touching on issues rarely mentioned by Pakistani prime ministers such as fighting child sex abuse and climate change.
Without naming names, he vowed to improve Pakistan’s relationship with neighboring countries, and to improve security in restive Balochistan province and the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.
“We want peace, because Pakistan cannot prosper until the peace is restored,” he said.
Terrorism and extremism are the biggest threat to the country’s security, Khan said, vowing to implement the 20-point National Action Plan or anti-terrorism policy to ensure peace in the country.
Khan said he has retained the Interior Ministry portfolio for himself as he personally oversees steps against money laundering and graft.
The former cricket legend also announced an austerity drive to trim back the trappings of government, such as selling most of the vehicles allotted to the prime minister, cutting down on staff and turning the official residence into a university.
“We have formed a bad habit of living on loans and aid from other countries,” said Khan, speaking under a portrait of his hero and Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
“No country can prosper like this. A country must stand on its own feet.
“I will fight the corrupt. Either this country will survive or the corrupt people.”
The July 25 election that brought Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to power was branded “Pakistan’s dirtiest”.
Khan, who has never held a government position, named his 21-person cabinet over the weekend, opting mostly for experienced politicians.
Three-bedroom house
Criticizing what he called the colonial-era mindset and lavish lifestyles of Pakistan’s ruling elite, Khan announced he would live in a small three-bedroom house instead of the palatial prime minister’s residence.
Khan said Pakistan was in grave danger from the effects of climate change and promised to reduce some of the world’s highest maternal death rates and infant mortality rates.
Khan called for a progressive tax system, vowing to spend the money on the neediest — such as malnourished children, and justice for victims of abuse — and on fighting climate change.
Few in Pakistan pay their taxes, and he did not explain how he would enforce more taxation, especially on the rich.
He also spoke passionately about the need to help 22.8 million out-of-school Pakistani children in a nation where the literacy rate hovers above 40 percent.
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