PTI plans event to mark first 100 days in power

The clock is ticking and the government of Pakistan is striving for coming up with a concrete roadmap for establishing “Naya Pakistan” as promised by Prime Minister Imran Khan in his 100-day plan.For this purpose, the government has set November 26 as the date for holding a public event, during which it intends to present its progress as well as proposed reforms in six key areas: governance, economy, agriculture, social services, national security, and strengthening the federation.November 26 will mark completion of incumbent government’s first 100 days in power.In the proposed public ceremony, the PTI government will inform about “a way forward” to countrymen, following which the process of execution of proposed reforms will be initiated.Setting the deadline with the motto “We have no option but to deliver”, the Prime Minister’s Office has also introduced a mechanism to track the day-to-day progress of cabinet members in relation with their tasks.A website will track the ministers’ progress, while the prime minister himself will personally review the progress on fortnightly basis.Ministers have been asked to release detailed press releases every month, describing their efforts for achieving the 100-day plan.The government will also publish the work by the recently-formed task forces and the set of reforms these taskforces would recommend upon completion of the 100 days.According to a government document, the 35 promised initiatives in six key areas – as mentioned in the 100-day plan – have further been divided into a total of “98 milestones” that the government intends to achieve by November 26.The progress on targeted initiatives will be reviewed and categorised in four ways: on track for timely completion; in progress, but off-track; in progress, but significantly off-track; and, critically delayed, needs immediate corrective action.To complete this whole agenda, the government has also decided to expand the federal cabinet in a bid to fill out important slots that are currently vacant.According to a senior PTI leader, after the presidential election on September 4, the prime minister would announce new cabinet members for ministries including water resources, power, agriculture, communications, privatisation, food, science and technology, housing, and interior.He also revealed that at least 10 new ministers, state ministers, and advisers will be added to the current cabinet in the second week of September.The premier has also approved the formation of a separate Reform Unit, with the PM’s Adviser on Establishment Shehzad Arbab appointed to head the unit.The unit will work under the administrative control of the PM’s Office.