The federal cabinet was briefed today (Tuesday) about Electronic Voting Machines and consultation process with parliamentary parties.

Briefing media about the decisions taken by the federal cabinet which met in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said negotiations have begun between the government and opposition on the issue of EVMs, which is a welcoming sign.

He said the Prime Minister directed to take the opposition benches on-board on the issue of EVMs. He said the government also intends to convene the joint sitting of the parliament for broader consultations over the issue of EVMs.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said granting voting rights to the overseas Pakistanis will be a key point of electoral reforms as they are playing a vital role in economic development of the country.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said the cabinet has approved that only Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is entitled to announce advent of Ramadan, Eid, or other Islamic calendar days as the entire private moon sighting committees are prohibited under the Constitution.

He said this decision has been taken on the recommendations of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

The Minister said the meeting also approved constitution of a cabinet committee to review the obstacles in the way of constructing high-rise buildings in cities. He said the committee will report the cabinet within two weeks.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said the cabinet also approved the national action plan regarding human rights and business as well as E-visa policy under which citizens of 191 countries can be benefitted.

He said the cabinet approved sending of a medical team to Indonesia to help curb coronavirus.

Source: Radio Pakistan