Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday warned “strict action” would be taken against government officials who issue advertisements to congratulate him on his PML-N party’s victory in the recent general election.
Mr. Sharif (63), who has become Premier for a record third term, barred Ministries and government bodies from issuing advertisements to felicitate, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
He was quoted as saying “national wealth should not be wasted on such advertisements”. Over the past few days, Pakistani newspapers have been replete with advertisements congratulating Mr. Sharif and the PML-N on the election victory.
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Most of the advertisements were issued by trade lobbies and industrial houses while several were issued by government bodies. Mr. Sharif said the heads of government departments would have to pay the amount spent on such advertisements.
Mr. Sharif acknowledged the love and affection of the country and the emotions of his supporters but wants them to “concentrate on nation building rather than sending congratulatory messages”, a spokesman said.
The state-run National Bank of Pakistan and Motorway Police chief Zafar Abbas Luk had issued their advertisements to several national dailies.
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Sworn in
The 25-member Cabinet of was sworn in at a ceremony at the presidency here on Friday. Among those who took oath were 16 federal ministers, including Ishaq Dar who is tipped to become the Finance Minister, and nine ministers of state.
Most of the Ministers are from Sharif’s PML-N party, which swept the May 11 general elections. One member each from the PML-F and National People’s Party was included in the Cabinet. The NPP has already announced its merger with the PML-N.
Most of the new Ministers are from PML-N stronghold Punjab