View source for First 100 days of Imran Khan's premiership

{{Use Pakistani English|date=September 2021}}
{{Imran Khan sidebar}}{{For|his full tenure as prime minister|Premiership of Imran Khan}}
The '''first 100 days of [[Imran Khan]]'s premiership''' began with his [[Oath of office ceremony of Imran Khan|oath of office ceremony]] on 18 August 2018 as the [[List of Prime Ministers of Pakistan|22nd]] [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]] – shortly after the oath-taking of the [[List of members of the 15th National Assembly of Pakistan|15th National Assembly of Pakistan]] on 13 August, and the elected parliament's vote of confidence for Khan's premiership on 17 August. The 100th day of his premiership was 25 November 2018.
The first 100 days of his [[Prime Ministership of Imran Khan|premiership]] took on symbolic significance after his party had announced a "100-day agenda" months before the [[2018 Pakistani general election]]. According to both government sources and outside observers, this period was considered a benchmark to measure the early success of his government.<ref name="ET"/>
==Background==
{{Further|Premiership of Imran Khan}}
Just a few days before the elections were announced, his party unveiled the first 100 days plan for his future government. The plan included the creation of a new province in [[Saraikistan|Southern Punjab]], reconciliation with alienated Baloch leaders, development of [[Karachi]], poverty alleviation, and betterment of the economy overall. The plan included a jumbo development package for FATA to which other provinces will contribute three per cent of their share. The newly created province in Southern Punjab would be given complete autonomy, made an agricultural hub, an economic package would be announced, and the young will be provided with job opportunities by setting up a food processing industry. The promise was made to implement the job quota reserved for [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]]. The federal government would announce a development package for Karachi after the completion of six-point agenda, which includes betterment of law and order, strengthening of local government, operations against extortionists and [[China cutting]] mafia, a housing infrastructure plan, setup of a public transport system, and culmination of militant sections of political parties. To improve the overall economy of the country, it was promised that 10 million jobs will be created, the manufacturing sector will be resuscitated, small and medium-sized businesses will be developed fast, and the private sector will be assisted in building five million houses. Reformation of tax administration, increase in tourism, the transformation of state-owned enterprises, and overcoming of the energy challenges was also promised. Improvement of the agriculture sector was promised through increasing profitability and access to finance for farmers.  Farmers will also be provided value-added incentives, livestock sector, and produce markets will be improved. National Water Policy will be improved and acted upon. Through this plan, it was promised that national security would be revamped by creation of four national security organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1409003|title=Imran unveils ambitious agenda for first 100 days of govt|first=Amir|last=Wasim|date=21 May 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PTI unveils 'first 100 days' action plan |url=https://nation.com.pk/21-May-2018/pti-unveils-first-100-days-action-plan |accessdate=20 August 2018 |work=The Nation |date=21 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PTI unveils agenda for first 100 days in power |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/242790/pti-unveils-agenda-for-first-100-days-in-power/ |accessdate=20 August 2018 |work=Daily Times |date=21 May 2018}}</ref>
==Inaugural address==
On 19 August 2018, he addressed the nation formally on television otherwise referred to as his formal inaugural address in which he laid out the basis of his policies and agenda for his government. In that address, he announced many austerity measures which included reduction of PM house employees and bulletproof vehicles, conversion of PM house into a university, conversion of governor houses into public benefit buildings, and criticism on foreign visits of prime minister (which was taken as an indication that he will reduce them). He showed concern about how the nation's children were having stunted growth due to malnutrition while the government is spending an extensive amount of money on its own luxuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/357736-complete-text-of-imran-khans-maiden-speech|title=Complete text of Imran Khan's maiden speech|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> Khan announced that he will not live in Prime Minister House and will cut down the staff of prime minister house from 524 people to 2 people. He also announced that he will only keep two vehicles out of the current 80 vehicles available for use by Prime Minister and the rest will be auctioned. He said he will not own any business while in office so that there is no conflict of interest. He also promised to strengthen the [[Zakat]] system. He announced that his government will take measures to increase exports. He also announced that he will be ashamed to ask for monetary help from other nations and rather would adopt austerity measures to get rid of the debt. He announced to strengthen the tax collection system. He requested overseas Pakistani to help Pakistan in this time of great need by keeping money in Pakistani banks and by sending money by banks instead of by illegal means. Explaining the reason to keep interior ministry to himself he said he wanted to keep [[Federal Investigation Agency]] directly under himself so he can oversee the efforts to curtail money laundering. He announced to the creation of a task force to bring laundered money back to Pakistan. He offered [[National Accountability Bureau]], the help of the federal government to curtail the corruption. He announced to form a task force to improve government hospitals so poor people of the country can get the same high-quality care as rich who opt to get health care in private hospitals. He also touched upon how Pakistani children are having stunted growth due to malnutrition.
He said there is a crisis of water in major cities and we will work on completing [[Diamer-Bhasha Dam]] to combat that crisis and we will help farmers on methods to save water during irrigation. He announced that we will not invite people from other countries to take care of sanitation needs rather we will create our own sanitation system. He gave the example of the state of Medina and how educated prisoners of war were given incentives upon teaching an uneducated person. He also announced to convert PM House into a world-class research university where he would invite scholars from around the world to do research on different subjects. He announced that he will improve the government school system so people do not have to opt for private schools to give quality education to their children. He also said that the madrassah system will be brought at par with the rest of the education system so it can produce quality citizens. On foreign policy, he announced in his inaugural address to the nation that we want peace with all the nations in the world. He announced that his government will create initiatives to plant billions of trees to combat global warming and heatwaves. He announced that we will build parks and playgrounds. He promised to build four tourism sites every year for the development of tourism. He also promised to develop international standard beaches. Khan said that he specifically tasked his human rights ministry to work towards ending sexual abuse towards children. He stressed the creation of a new province in [[Saraikistan|Southern Punjab]]. Giving an example of [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]'s former government, he announced that the police system would be reformed in Punjab and Balochistan in a similar manner and they would request the Sindh government to do the same. He said that he would have a meeting with [[Chief Justice of Pakistan]] and together they would reform the judicial system so that every case would be decided in less than one year time. He asked [[Central Superior Services|civil service]] to provide services to the common man with respect as they have the right to those services. He announced to create a new local government system and not provide development funds to members of parliament.<ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/357392-pm-khan-to-make-informal-extempore-address-to-nation|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan promises sweeping reforms in inaugural address|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=19 August 2018 |accessdate=19 August 2018}}</ref> He addressed the nation formally on television otherwise referred to as his formal inaugural address in which he laid out the basis of his policies and agenda for his government. Khan announced that he will appoint [[Nasir Durrani]] as an advisor in Punjab Government so that he can bring same reform in Punjab Police as he did in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.<ref>{{cite web|author=Javed Aziz Khan |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/358125-nasir-durrani-agrees-to-reform-punjab-police |title=Nasir Durrani agrees to reform Punjab Police |publisher=Thenews.com.pk |date= 21 August 2018|accessdate=2018-08-21}}</ref>
==Building the team==
{{Further|Imran Khan ministry}}
Khan announced most of his team at national and provincial levels before he took oath as prime minister but some of his nominees were confirmed later either by a vote or by mere taking an oath of their concerned office. On 18 August 2018, after taking oath as prime minister of Pakistan, Khan announced his 21-member federal cabinet and their portfolios.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/world/asia/imran-khan-pakistan.html|title=Imran Khan Takes Oath in Pakistan, a Nation Divided and in Debt|work=The New York Times |date=18 August 2018 |accessdate=20 August 2018|last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Masood |first2=Salman }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pakistan/imran-khan-announces-21-member-cabinet|title=Imran Khan announces 21-member cabinet|last=PTI|website=www.khaleejtimes.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> He appointed Mohammad Azam Khan as his secretary.<ref>{{cite news |title=Azam Khan appointed secretary to PM |url=https://nation.com.pk/19-Aug-2018/azam-khan-appointed-secretary-to-pm |accessdate=21 August 2018 |work=The Nation |date=19 August 2018}}</ref> The same day, he nominated [[Arif Alvi]] for the office of [[President of Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Arif Alvi nominated for president's post by PTI |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783903/1-arif-alvi-nominated-presidents-post-pti/ |accessdate=21 August 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 August 2018}}</ref> On 19 August 2018, His nominee [[Sardar Usman Buzdar]], a political candidate belonging to the rural area of [[Dera Ghazi Khan]], was elected as Punjab Chief Minister despite criticism, mainly due to his less prominent background and allegations of a criminal case against him in 1998. Khan and the PTI justified Buzdar's selection, stating the party conducted background checks and found him to be honest, adding that the previous case against him was politically motivated; according to Khan, Buzdar belonged to an impoverished district with "no water, electricity or hospital" and that he would be "well acquainted with how people live in those areas, and secondly, he is aware of how the poor lead their lives. When he will assume the office of the chief minister he will know the nature of the plight that faces the underprivileged people of Pakistan".<ref>{{cite news |title=Punjab Assembly elects PTI's Usman Buzdar as chief minister |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427988 |accessdate=21 August 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 August 2018}}</ref> On 20 August 2018, His cabinet took the oath of office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1428169/16-ministers-from-pm-imran-khan-cabinet-sworn-in|title=16 ministers from PM Imran Khan's cabinet sworn in|last=Dawn.com|date=20 August 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> Khan appointed former official of NAB Mirza Shehzad Akbar as his special assistant for accountability.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/357791-imran-khan-appoints-ex-nab-official-as-special-assistant-on-accountability|title=Ex-NAB official appointed as PM's assistant on accountability|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> The PTI's [[chief whip]], Shireen Mazari, was given the portfolio of human rights ministry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1780001/1-ptis-chief-whip-shireen-mazari/|title=PTI's chief whip: Shireen Mazari - The Express Tribune|date=20 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
Khan nominated [[Ehsan Mani]] as [[Pakistan Cricket Board]] chairman after [[Najam Sethi]] resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PM Khan chairs first meeting of federal cabinet - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> On 22 August 2018, two new special assistance to prime minister were inducted including Iftikhar Durrani on media affairs and [[Naeemul Haque]] on political affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/358323-naeem-appointed-special-assistant-to-pm-on-political-affairs|title=Naeem appointed Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs|date=August 22, 2018|website=The News}}</ref> On 25 August 2018, Khan nominated Ehsan Mani and Asad Ali Khan as members of Board of Governors of Pakistan Cricket Board.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1787606/7-pm-imran-nominates-asad-ali-khan-ehsan-mani-as-members-of-pcb-bog/|title=PM Imran nominates Asad Ali Khan, Ehsan Mani as members of PCB BoG|date=25 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref> He gave his consent to the nomination of [[Ameer Muhammad Khan Jogezai]] as [[Governor of Balochistan, Pakistan|Governor of Balochistan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/208590|title=Dr Ameer Mohammad Khan Jogezai nominated as Balochistan governor|website=www.geo.tv|date=25 August 2018 |accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref> [[Shibli Faraz]] was nominated leader of the house for the [[Senate of Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PM Imran nominates new leader of house for Senate - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref> Khan approved the appointment of former counsel for [[Pervez Musharraf]], Anwar Mansoor Khan as [[Attorney General of Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1787225/1-anwar-mansoor-khan-appointed-new-agp/|title=Anwar Mansoor Khan appointed as new AGP|date=25 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref> On 26 August 2018, prime minister's office backtracked on the decision to make Ameer Muhammad Khan Jogezai as governor of [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]] saying that the name was discussed but never finalized.<ref name="tribune.com.pk"/> A 23-member [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] cabinet and a 15-member [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] cabinet was formed with full approval by Khan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2018/08/pm-imran-khan-unveils-punjab-cabinet-with-23-members/amp/|title=PM Imran Khan unveils Punjab cabinet with 23 members |website=www.samaa.tv|accessdate=26 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1788486/1-15-member-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-cabinet-announced/|title=15-member Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet announced - The Express Tribune|date=26 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=26 August 2018}}</ref> On 27 August 2018, Khan appointed finance minister Asad Umar as the boss of forthcoming Economic Coordination Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/economy/2018/08/pm-imran-khan-appoints-finance-minister-asad-umar-as-head-of-ecc/|title=PM Imran Khan appoints Finance Minister Asad Umar as head of ECC|website=samaa.tv|date=27 August 2018 |accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> On 28 August 2018, Khan decided to appoint [[Shehryar Khan Afridi]] as minister of the state for interior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: Chief of Naval Staff calls on PM - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> Same day, Khan also made some appointments in bureaucracy, he appointed Muhammad Suleman Khan as Director General Intelligence Bureau. Jahanzeb Khan was appointed as Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue. Mehr Khaliq Dad Lak was appointed as Director-General of National Counter Terrorism Authority.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/360821-imran-khan-builds-an-excellent-team-of-bureaucrats|title=Imran Khan builds an excellent team of bureaucrats|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=29 August 2018 |accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> On 1 September 2018, Khan formed an 18-member [[Economic Advisory Council (Pakistan)|Economic Advisory Council (EAC)]] to advise on matters of economic policymaking.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430355/pm-khan-forms-18-member-economic-advisory-council|title=PM Khan forms 18-member Economic Advisory Council|work=Dawn|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> The council includes financial experts associated with international universities such as [[Atif Mian]] from [[Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs]] at [[Princeton University]], Asim Ijaz Khawaja from [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]], and Imran Rasul from [[University College London]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pm-imran-khan-ropes-in-foreign-experts-to-rebuild-paks-debt-ridden-economy/articleshow/65646175.cms|title=PM Imran Khan ropes in foreign experts to rebuild Pak's debt-ridden economy|website=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2 September 2018}}</ref>
On 4 September 2018, [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]]'s presidential candidate, [[Arif Alvi]], was elected as the [[List of Presidents of Pakistan|13th]] [[President of Pakistan]] following the [[2018 Pakistani presidential election|2018 presidential election]] scheduled on 4 September.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arif Alvi elected 13th president of Pakistan {{!}} The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1794750/1-presidential-election-voting-commences/ |accessdate=4 September 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=4 September 2018}}</ref> He received 352 votes and defeated opposition candidates [[Fazal-ur-Rehman (politician)|Fazal-ur-Rehman]] and [[Aitzaz Ahsan]] who secured 184 and 124 votes, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chaudhry |first1=Fahad |title=PTI's Arif Alvi officially declared winner of 13th presidential election |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431104/ptis-arif-alvi-officially-declared-winner-of-13th-presidential-election |work=Dawn |date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> Polling was held via the [[Electoral College of Pakistan]], which comprised the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]], [[Senate of Pakistan|Senate]], and the four provincial assemblies of [[Provincial Assembly of the Punjab|Punjab]], [[Provincial Assembly of Sindh|Sindh]], [[Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] and [[Provincial Assembly of Balochistan|Balochistan]]; all elected members of the respective houses cast secret ballot voting for their preferred candidate.<ref>{{cite news |title=PTI's Dr Arif Alvi elected 13th President of Pakistan: unofficial results |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430542/ptis-dr-arif-alvi-elected-13th-president-of-pakistan-unofficial-results |accessdate=4 September 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 September 2018}}</ref> Khan's advisor and legal aide [[Babar Awan]] voluntarily tendered his resignation from the ministry of parliamentary affairs, following a corruption case filed against him by the [[National Accountability Bureau]] (NAB) over alleged irregularities in the [[Nandipur Power Project]], when Awan had been affiliated with the ruling PPP government from 2008 to 2013 as federal law minister. Explaining his resignation, Awan tweeted: "Rule of law begins with me. Thank you, Insafians for standing by me always. I will never let you down."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/first-jolt-to-imran-khan-as-top-aide-quits-after-corruption-case-filed/articleshow/65675067.cms|title=First jolt to Imran Khan as top aide quits after corruption case filed|work=Times of India|date=4 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref> Information minister Fawad Chaudhry defended Atif Mian's appointment to the Economic Advisory Council, following a vicious smear campaign against the latter on social media targeting him for his [[Ahmadiyya in Pakistan|Ahmadi faith]]. Lambasting the controversy, Chaudhry stated: "Pakistan belongs as much to minorities as it does to the majority. I don't think anyone should have objections [to Mian's appointment], and those who do, they are basically extremists and we will not bow to extremists", later tweeting: "...we'll follow [the] principles of Mr Jinnah, not of extremists".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430925|title=We will not bow to extremists': Govt hits back after vicious campaign targets Atif Mian|work=Dawn|date=4 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref> Continuing his defense of Atif Mian's appointment in the EAC, Fawad Chaudhry stated: "Protecting minorities is our responsibility. It is the religious duty of each Muslim, not just the government, to protect minorities and respect those that they live with".<ref name="Dawn7">{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431108/upholding-minorities-rights-is-the-responsibility-of-an-islamic-republic-fawad-chaudhry|title=Upholding minorities' rights is the responsibility of an Islamic republic: Fawad Chaudhry|last=Dawn.com|date=5 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref> On 7 September however, it was learnt that the government had relented and asked Atif to step down, who voluntarily offered to commit out of the EAC and would be replaced. According to senator Faisal Javed, the government did not aim to deliberately create social division based on such issues and said the government aimed to "move forward alongside scholars and all social groups, and it is inappropriate if a single nomination creates an impression to the contrary". The development was roundly condemned by critics, especially those belonging to the liberal sections of society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431495/|title=Under pressure govt backtracks on Atif Mian's appointment; removes economist from advisory council|first=Fahad|last=Chaudhry|date=7 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431724|title=Atif Mian and the kingdom of clowns|first=Zarrar|last=Khuhro|date=September 8, 2018|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref> In solidarity with Mian, two overseas-based economists in the EAC, Asim Khwaja and Imran Rasul, announced they were resigning from the committee with a decision which was "painful" and "heavy-hearted" respectively; both wished the new government well, and said they would always be willing to assist Pakistan in their individual capacities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798271/1-imran-rasul-resigns-eac-protest-atif-mians-removal/|title=Imran Rasul resigns from EAC in solidarity with Atif Mian - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Meanwhile, on 8 September, Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of the right-wing opposition party JUI-F, castigated the government for appointing Mian and alleged that by selecting an Ahmadi from the West, Khan was actually seeking to "influence our economy with Jewish ways" and on the "dictates of the West".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798397/1-maulana-fazl-castigates-govt-atif-mian-fiasco/|title=Maulana Fazl castigates govt over Atif Mian nomination fiasco - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> An article on ''Dawn'' dated 10 September stated the actual reason behind Mian's removal lay in "internal dissent" from religious parties who had threatened nationwide sit-ins against the appointment, on the same day that Chinese and Saudi dignitaries were to arrive in Islamabad. Sources said the government had been compelled to take the decision to avoid an 'ugly' situation during the foreign dignitaries' visits, as well as due to political pressure and nitpicking by some opposition parties. A PTI member described the situation as "unfortunate" and said some cabinet members felt "depressed" after the EAC lost three of its top thinkers, even while replacement slots were being filled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1432021|title=Analysis: What drove PTI govt to reverse Atif Mian's nomination|first=Amir|last=Wasim|date=September 10, 2018|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref>
On 4 September 2018, Khan's pick for the chairmanship of Pakistan Cricket Board, Ehsan Mani was elected as such by the board.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431106/what-the-experts-have-to-say-about-ptis-46-gas-tariff-hike|title=What the experts have to say about PTI's 46% gas tariff hike|work=Dawn|date=5 September 2018|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref> On 5 September 2018, Khan's nomination for governorship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, [[Shah Farman]] took oath of office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/364308-ptis-shah-farman-sworn-in-as-kp-governor|title=PTI's Shah Farman sworn in as KP Governor|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=5 September 2018 |accessdate=6 September 2018}}</ref>
On 8 September, it was learnt that the PTI's Punjab government had inducted nine more ministers, three extra advisers and five special attendants; the federal government meanwhile announced it was expanding the cabinet and adding four more ministers, who were to take oath on 10 September:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2018/four-new-federal-ministers-to-take-oath-today|title=Four new federal ministers to take oath today|date=September 10, 2018|website=The Nation}}</ref> [[Omar Ayub Khan]] (energy portfolio), [[Ali Zaidi (politician)|Ali Zaidi]] (maritime affairs portfolio), [[Muhammad Mian Soomro]] (privatisation portfolio) and [[Murad Saeed]], whose post was still undetermined. This brought the number of total federal cabinet members to 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798537/1/|title=Four more ministers to be inducted into federal cabinet - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> That same day, [[Mamnoon Hussain]] completed his tenure in office as President of Pakistan and exited the [[Aiwan-e-Sadr|President House]] with a guard of honour. He would be succeeded by president-elect Arif Alvi of the PTI, who won the [[2018 Pakistani presidential election|2018 presidential election]] days back and was slated to take office on 9 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/365733-president-mamnoon-gets-farewell-guard-of-honor-on-term-completion|title=President Mamnoon gets farewell guard of honor on term completion|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
==Economic, anti-corruption, and austerity measures==
On 20 August 2018, Khan's cabinet minister [[Shafqat Mahmood]] made a committee to counsel on forthcoming community consumption of "heritage buildings" which include governor houses around the country among others.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/nawaz-sharif-daughter-cannot-leave-pakistan-imran-khan-led-government-decides/articleshow/65475845.cms|title=Nawaz Sharif, daughter cannot leave Pakistan: Imran Khan-led government decides|date=20 August 2018|publisher=|accessdate=20 August 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> Same day, Khan's finance minister [[Asad Umar]] said that Khan had ordered him to bring back the laundered money from oversees. Umar also said that workers of [[Pakistan International Airlines]] and [[Pakistan Steel Mills]] will not be sacked as those people have nothing to do with these organizations being in financial loss. He said that government will sell bonds to expatriate Pakistanis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/208148-pm-imran-has-ordered-to-bring-back-laundered-money-umar|title=PM Imran has ordered to bring back laundered money: Umar|website=geo.tv|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref> As part of anti-corruption measures, his cabinet decided to put [[Nawaz Sharif]] and [[Maryam Nawaz]] on exit control list so they cannot leave the country.<ref name="auto2"/> The cabinet also issued a directive to bring back [[Ishaq Dar]] and sons of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif - Hussain and Hassan - to face justice in pending cases against them. The cabinet also decided to implement the austerity measures announced in Khan's inaugural speech. It was decided that employees released from the prime minister house would be adjusted elsewhere. The cabinet decided that the British government will be contacted for "attachment'" of Avenfield properties so that they can be sold and the derivatives brought back to Pakistan treasury. Khan has instructed his ministers to work fourteen hours per day while he himself will work sixteen hours per day, he also instructed them to not take any holiday for the first three months (a little short of 100 days) including Sundays. The cabinet also decided to discontinue the overseas medical facilities for ministers which are usually funded by the government treasury. It also decided to auction the bulletproof and extravagant vehicles belonging to the prime minister house. The decision was made to avoid unnecessary international tours by government officials including the prime minister, to that effect foreign minister [[Shah Mehmood Qureshi]] will attend the annual [[United Nations General Assembly]] session in September 2018 instead of Khan.<ref name="auto3">{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1785279/1-federal-cabinet-puts-names-nawaz-maryam-ecl-1st-meeting/|title=Govt puts names of Sharif, daughter on ECL |date=20 August 2018| publisher=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=21 August 2018}}</ref> On 21 August 2018, the announcement made by the cabinet regarding putting Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on exit control list was acted upon.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web|last= |first= |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/ |title=First 100 days: PM terms Sidhu 'ambassador of peace' |publisher=tribune.com.pk |date=2015-05-03 |accessdate=2018-08-21}}</ref>
[[Asad Qaiser]], [[Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan]] announced to follow strict austerity measures in parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/357948-asad-directs-na-secretariat-to-adopt-austerity-measures|title=Asad directs NA Secretariat to adopt austerity measures|date=August 21, 2018|website=thenews.com.pk}}</ref> On 21 August 2018, after reviewing a ten year report of [[Capital Development Authority (Islamabad)|Capital Development Authority]] (CDA), Khan announced that he will act towards ending corruption in CDA, he also issued directive to solve water crisis in [[Islamabad]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Abbas Shabbir |url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2018/08/pm-imran-khan-announces-action-against-cda-corrupt-mafia/ |title=PM Imran Khan announces action against CDA 'corrupt mafia' |publisher=Samaa.tv |date= |accessdate=2018-08-21}}</ref> Same day, the announcement made by the cabinet on 20 August 2018 regarding putting Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on exit control list was acted upon.<ref name="auto4"/> The cabinet decided to eliminate discretionary funds for members of parliament including ministers and the prime minister<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/208430-pm-imran-chairs-cabinet-meeting-to-review-7-point-agenda|title=Govt discontinues discretionary funds, keeps Saturday holiday for govt offices|website=geo.tv|accessdate=24 August 2018}}</ref> but in reality, these funds were already abolished by the previous government of Pakistan Muslim League (N).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/360288-the-end-of-discretionary-funds-rhetoric-and-reality|title=The end of discretionary funds: rhetoric and reality|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=30 August 2018}}</ref> The cabinet also decided that no announcements of projects of public benefit will be made during public rallies like previous prime ministers used to do. Khan will not use a special plane for international visits and the benefit of travel via first-class has been taken away from ministers, the prime minister, the president, and the chief justice of Pakistan, all will travel via club class. A forensic audit of major mass transport systems in the country will be conducted. Khan instructed Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar to keep the cabinet small.<ref name="dunyanews.tv"/> On 24 August, the government launched a probe to audit all metro bus projects initiated by the previous PML-N government, including the established metros in [[Lahore Metrobus|Lahore]], [[Islamabad Metrobus|Islamabad]] and [[Multan Metrobus|Multan]], the upcoming [[Green Line - Karachi Metrobus|Green Line]] of [[Karachi Metrobus|Karachi]], and the [[Orange Line (Lahore Metro)|Orange Line]] train of Lahore; the objective was to evaluate the transparency of the projects, the contracts allotted to companies, and the spending of funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/358788-a-probe-to-be-launched-on-metro-bus|title=Metro bus projects to be investigated, decides PTI govt|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> On 27 August 2018, while adopting the austerity measures announced by the prime minister, [[Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], [[Mahmood Khan]] directed that no tea and no water bottles should be presented to attendees during official meetings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/360214-cm-kp-bans-use-of-tea-in-official-meetings|title=CM KP bans use of tea in official meetings|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=27 August 2018 |accessdate=27 August 2018}}</ref> [[Aleem Khan]], the provincial minister and close associate of prime minister announced that he will donate his monthly salary to [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital]] during his tenure as the minister. He also announced that he will not be running his business while he is in government and will only use his personal vehicle for his governmental land travel needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/360221-aleem-khan-announces-to-donate-salary-as-minister-to-skmch|title=Aleem Khan announces to donate salary as minister to SKMCH|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=27 August 2018}}</ref> On 28 August 2018, in a twist about a controversy regarding Khan not following his own announced austerity measures by using a helicopter for his daily travel between prime minister house and his Bani Gala residence, his information minister [[Fawad Chaudhry]] explained that the travel by helicopter costs 50 rupees per kilometre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2018/08/pm-imran-khans-helicopter-journeys-to-and-from-bani-gala-cost-around-rs50-per-km-says-fawad-chaudhry/|title=PM Imran Khan's helicopter journeys to and from Bani Gala cost around Rs50 per km, says Fawad Chaudhry|website=samaa.tv|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> He said that this cost is based on his [[Google Search]] about prime minister's travel by helicopter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/208958-googled-per-km-cost-of-pms-commute-via-helicopter-information-minister|title=Googled per km cost of PM's commute via helicopter: information minister|website=geo.tv|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> Chaudhry's claim became a laughing stock on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/imran-khan-helicopter-rides-pti-minister-fuel-cheaper-jokes-memes-5333999/lite/|title=Minister sparks meme fest by claiming Imran Khan's helicopter ride to work costs just Rs 55|date=31 August 2018|website=indianexpress.com|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> Khan spent the weekdays at the Prime Minister's secretariat, while his weekends were spent at his Bani Gala residence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431667/another-83-days|title = Another 83 days|date = 8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 28 August, finance minister Asad Umar stated that the government was weighing its options, but had not decided yet on whether it would seek a fresh bailout package from the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF), keeping in view the ongoing economic situation of the country. He informed the Senate that Pakistan had gone to the IMF 12 times previously, and said that the government's real fight was with unemployment and inflation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/360212-finance-minister-asad-umar-says-no-decision-yet-to-go-to-imf|title=Finance Minister Asad Umar says no decision yet to go to IMF|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="geo1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430669/a-humble-beginning|title = A humble beginning|date = 3 September 2018}}</ref> He also initiated the [[National Finance Commission Award]] process with his finance secretary.<ref name="geo1">{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/208904-finance-minister-umar-says-no-decision-yet-to-approach-imf|title=Finance Minister Asad Umar says no decision yet to approach IMF|website=geo.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
Khan gave two weeks deadline to the task force which was created to bring the country's stolen wealth from overseas to come up with a plan to fulfil the assigned task.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/imran-khan-gives-2-week-deadline-to-recover-stashed-money/articleshow/65583548.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829012243/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/imran-khan-gives-2-week-deadline-to-recover-stashed-money/articleshow/65583548.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2018|title=Imran Khan gives 2-week deadline to recover stashed money - Times of India|website=indiatimes.com|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> Same day, the cabinet tasked the advisor for austerity to present government reforms within ninety days.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429499/federal-cabinet-discusses-creating-10m-job-opportunities-building-5m-houses|title=Federal cabinet discusses creating 10m job opportunities, building 5m houses|website=The Dawn|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=August 28, 2018}}</ref> On 29 August 2018, the prime minister had a meeting with National Accountability Bureau Chairman during which he ensured government's unflinching support to strengthen the bureau further and praised its performance.<ref name="ET">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PM attends crucial briefing at GHQ - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> The meeting drew criticism due to the conflict of interest as the same bureau was investigating helicopter misuse case against the prime minister and corruption cases against cabinet member [[Pervez Khattak]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/361603-anp-objects-to-pm-nab-chief-meeting|title=ANP objects to PM, NAB chief meeting|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=30 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> On 31 August 2018, Khan's government announced its first reduction in petroleum prices. The price of petrol, high-speed diesel, kerosene oil, and light diesel was reduced by 2.41, 6.37, .46, and .59 rupees accordingly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/362131-imran-khans-govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices|title=Imran Khan's govt cuts petrol, diesel prices|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> On 1 September 2018, going ahead with austerity measures announced by Khan, the prime minister house set the date for the auction of a total of 102 luxury vehicles including 27 bullet-proof vehicles. As part of this auction, three 2014 BMW cars, three 2016 5000cc BMW SUVs, two 2016 3000cc BMW SUVs, four 2016 Mercedes-Benz cars (out of which two are 4000cc bullet-proof), one 2004 Toyota Lexus car, one 2006 Toyota Lexus SUV, two 2004 Toyota Land Cruisers, four 2015 bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruisers, one 2013 Honda Civic 1800cc car, two 2013 Suzuki Cultus cars, one 2013 Suzuki APV, one 1994 Hino bus, and 2003 to 2013 model Toyota vehicles will be up for sale on 17 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/luxury-vehicles-of-pakistans-prime-minister-house-to-be-auctioned-on-september-17/articleshow/65633652.cms|title=Luxury vehicles of Pakistan's Prime Minister house to be auctioned on September 17 - |website=economictimes.com|access-date=1 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Imran Khan set the auction of 102 luxury vehicles including 27 Bullet-proof vehicles |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/455103-PM-House-luxury-vehicles-auction-date-Sep-17-PTI-govt-austerity |accessdate=5 September 2018 |work=[[Dunya News]]}}</ref> On 2 September 2018, following the austerity drive, Chief minister Balochistan vowed to dedicate two chief minister houses being built in Quetta and [[Urak Valley]] for public use.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430548/jam-kamal-vows-to-dedicate-new-balochistan-cm-houses-for-public-use|title=Jam Kamal vows to dedicate new Balochistan CM houses for public use|work=Dawn|date=September 2, 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref>
On 2 September, the central government deployed nine senior officers of the civil service to Balochistan on long-term assignments, where they would expedite works being carried out under the [[China Pakistan Economic Corridor]] projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793299/1-federal-postings-expedite-cpec/|title=Federal postings to expedite CPEC - The Express Tribune|date=2 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> On 3 September 2018, in a top-level meeting, Khan directed government departments to take proactive measures in preventing money laundering and smuggling across the country through unconventional, illegal methods such as [[hawala]] and [[hundi]]. He reviewed a presentation from the [[Federal Board of Revenue]] on losses incurred to the economy as a result of illegal financial transactions. A committee was constituted to make existing financial laws stronger, and propose amendments to these laws where required, the findings of which would be presented in a week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://arynews.tv/en/pm-imran-directs-to-prevent-smuggling-money-laundering/|title=PM Imran directs to prevent smuggling, money laundering|date=3 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018|work=ARY News}}</ref> On 4 September 2018, Khan asked the petroleum division to make a plan for stopping the stealing of gas and ordered a 46% increase in natural gas rates as devised by [[Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority]]. The decision was criticised particularly due to its impact on gas bills for consumers, but other analysts said it was necessary given the pressure faced by the government over existing subsidies to the gas sector.<ref name="auto1"/> On 5 September 2018, the cabinet held a meeting, during which it was decided that efforts would be made to recover money illegally stashed abroad by Pakistanis, mainly due to corruption. Khan was in the process of ratifying a treaty with Swiss authorities to exchange information of Pakistani-owned bank accounts there. A whistleblowers' law would be enacted whereby individuals and firms who helped in trailing and recovering illegal money abroad would be awarded 20 per cent of the recovered amount. The government also announced the end of the [[Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme]] and other loss-making schemes of the previous government, which reportedly saved up to Rs. 80 billion in funds.<ref name="Dawn7"/> The cabinet also gave its final approval to end discretionary funds for ministries and their divisions.<ref name="dailypakistan.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pm-khan-orders-not-to-dismiss-or-terminate-any-government-employee/|title=PM Khan orders not to terminate any government employee|website=dailypakistan.com.pk|date=5 September 2018|accessdate=6 September 2018}}</ref>
On 5 September, according to the Central Directorate of National Savings, the federal government had announced increasing [[profit rate]]s on National Savings Schemes on a basis points range of 72 to 100. According to an official, profit rates are reviewed by the finance ministry based on current interest rates and the profit rates on government-related securities such as treasury bills and the Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIB).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1796277/2-profit-rates-national-savings-schemes-increased/|title=Profit rates on National Savings Schemes increased - The Express Tribune|date=6 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref>
On 7 September 2018, a petition was filed in [[Islamabad High Court]] asking to stop the auction to sell prime minister house vehicles as those vehicles are used by foreign dignitaries. If the vehicles are sold, the prime minister house will have to rent similar vehicles in case of visits by foreign dignitaries and it will be expensive for the exchequer. The petitioner also maintained that there was Rs80 million spent on the auction advertisement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/amp/english/455939.php|title=Petition seeking ban on sale of PM House cars filed in IHC|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> Finance Minister Asad Umar said the government wanted to boost exports, and in this regard complete support would be provided to export-based industries including [[Textile industry in Pakistan|textiles]], during a meeting in Islamabad with All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, also attended by the government's textile and industry advisor, Abdul Razak Dawood. Also discussed were gas and electricity prices, on which Umar said no decision had been reached by the government to increase tariffs as reported in the media, in addition to withdrawing sales taxes and customs on imported raw materials, refunds of sales taxes, market-based exchange rates, duty drawback schemes and increasing the tax net.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.app.com.pk/govt-to-fully-support-export-oriented-sector-asad-umar/|title=Gov't to fully support export oriented sector: Asad Umar|date=7 September 2018|website=app.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He said the government would provide gas and electricity to export-based sectors at regionally competitive rates, as promised prior the elections.<ref name="AU"/> He also met fertiliser manufacturers on the issue of pricing and subsidies with reference to their windfall profits made last year, and refusing to accept their demands, said manufacturers should shut down their units if they were not profitable at current prices; he said the new government's priority was to provide fertilisers to farmers "at affordable rates" and this had been part of their original commitments.<ref name="AU">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1797992/2-finance-minister-insists-govt-will-not-increase-energy-prices/|title=Finance minister insists govt will not increase energy prices - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Umar also chaired a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which was formed to monitor the country's anti-money laundering measures and countering of finances to terrorist organisations, as mandated by the [[Financial Action Task Force]] which had grey-listed Pakistan months earlier. Umar said implementation of the relevant measures would ensure Pakistan successfully meets international standards under the FATF action plan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/455983-Asad-Umer-chairs-meets-of-National-Executive-Committee|title=Asad Umer chairs meets of National Executive Committee|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/08-Sep-2018/nec-reviews-implementation-status-of-fatf-action-plan|title=NEC reviews implementation status of FATF Action Plan|date=8 September 2018|website=nation.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 8 September, the PTI government scaled-down spending on the federal development program to Rs. 775 billion from Rs. 1,030 billion, under the [[2018–19 Pakistan federal budget]]. The [[Planning Commission (Pakistan)|Planning Commission]] released Rs.35 billion for development projects, which was around 75% less than the same period last year, Rs. 135 billion.<ref name="D5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431636|title=Move to cut development funds by over Rs250bn|date=8 September 2018}}</ref> The cuts were due to several "non-development projects" of the previous PML-N government under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) facing the axe, as well as projects of governments before it, which had all been moved out of the PSDP. An official said the government would spend part of the savings on water sector projects, and also incorporate some of its own critical, priority projects under the spending regime. The progress of CPEC projects, including the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and the structuring of industrial zones, were also reviewed.<ref name="D5"/>
On 27 September, eight [[Water buffalo|buffaloes]] from the Prime Minister's house were auctioned for nearly {{PKRConvert|2.3|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Auction of Buffaloes of PM House |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/459080-PM-House-PM-Imran-Khan-Nawaz-Sharif-Austerity-Buffalo-auction |accessdate=2 October 2018 |work=[[Dunya News]]}}</ref>
==Environmental initiatives==
On 24 August 2018, the cabinet decided to commence a major tree plantation project. A task force was created to launch a cleanliness drive in the country.<ref name="auto"/>
Climate change adviser [[Malik Amin Aslam]] informed about the first phase launch of 10-billion tree tsunami drive, and announced that 1.5 million saplings will be planted on 2 September 2018 for which 190 plant collection stations will be set up around the country from where the public will be able to collect saplings for plantation.<ref name="auto5"/>
On 2 September 2018, Khan arrived in [[Haripur, Pakistan|Haripur]] and planted a sapling to commence the [[Plant for Pakistan]] drive. Under the campaign, the government aimed to plant at least 1.5 million saplings initially, and achieve 'ten billion' tree plantations by the end of its term, as part of its "tree tsunami" and green environment policy to tackle climate change and air pollution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/362954-pm-imran-khan-launches-plant-for-pakistan-drive|title=PM Imran Khan launches 'Plant for Pakistan' drive|work=The News|date=2 September 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistans-tree-tsunami-plans-to-plant-10-billion-trees-in-5-years/articleshow/65646791.cms|title=Pakistan's 'Tree Tsunami' to plant 10 billion trees in 5 years|work=Times of India|date=2 September 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref>
On 13 October, Khan launched the "Clean and Green Pakistan" initiative at a school in Islamabad, where he also planted a sapling. Under the campaign, the government would aim to plant 10 billion trees by the end of its term, and also improve the country's sewage and sanitation system. Whilst addressing school students, Khan emphasised the importance of trees in the context of global warming and pollution mitigation and stressed the important role that students played in creating awareness of the environmental movement. He said the cleanliness drive would also extend to impoverished areas such as slums, and that his aim was to bring Pakistan on par with [[Europe]] in terms of cleanliness during his term.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1824929/1-pm-imran-urges-youth-participate-clean-green-campaign/|title=PM Imran urges youth to participate in Clean and Green campaign|date=13 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/380421-pm-imran-inaugurates-clean-and-green-pakistan-action-day|title = PM Imran inaugurates Clean and Green Pakistan campaign}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-will-become-cleaner-than-europe-says-imran-khan-1.2289431|title=Pakistan will become cleaner than Europe, says Imran Khan|website=gulfnews.com}}</ref>
==Water conservation initiatives==
The [[Asian Development Bank]] approved a $100 million grant to address [[water scarcity]] projects in Balochistan on 4 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1794664/1-adb-approves-100m-loan-address-water-shortages/|title=ADB approves $100m loan to address water shortages - The Express Tribune|date=4 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> On 7 September 2018, Khan made his second televised address to the nation. The speech, which was only a few minutes long, stressed the importance of the [[Diamer-Bhasha Dam]] and the extremely critical need for water storage infrastructure in Pakistan's immediate future, which was faced with the threats of severe drought and depletion of resources. Khan called on [[overseas Pakistanis]] and also appealed to all country folk to generously donate to the public fund created by the Chief Justice of Pakistan which sought to raise money for the dam project; he stated: "Our debt today stands at Rs30,000 billion but the biggest problem we currently face is the water crisis... When Pakistan was made, every Pakistani had 5600 cubic metres of water. Today that stands at only 1000 cubic metres... If every overseas Pakistani donates $1,000, we will have enough to build the dams ourselves... I know not every overseas Pakistani will be able to give $1,000, especially the ones working in the Middle East. To them, I would say that donate as much as you can... We alone will have to build this dam, and we can. We just have to make up our minds." He also cited an example of [[Egypt]], where a similar public drive had been launched to build dams using national resources and said Pakistan's current situation with rising foreign debt necessitated the need to reduce external financing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431520|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan calls on overseas Pakistanis to donate to dams fund|first=|last=|date=7 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> According to Khan, Pakistan's current water storage capacity could last only 30 days in critical times whereas the internationally safe capacity was 120 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1797733/1-pm-imran-give-important-message-nation-2nd-address/|title=Imran warns of drought threat, appeals for dams' donation - The Express Tribune|date=7 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
The speech was welcomed by Pakistanis abroad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/mustwatch/94563/Overseas-Pakistanis-welcome-PM's-appeal-regarding-donation-for-dam-construction|title=Overseas Pakistanis welcome PM's appeal regarding donation for dam construction - Dunya News|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Government departments and the private sector committed themselves to the cause; the Punjab government declared that all provincial cabinet members would be donating one month's worth of salary to the dam fund,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798340/1-punjab-cabinet-donate-one-month-salary-pms-dam-appeal/|title=Punjab cabinet to donate one month salary after PM's dam appeal - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> while the railways' ministry which announced it would donate Rs. 100 million to the dam fund every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/mustwatch/94564/Railways-to-donate-Rs100mn-to-dam-fund-annually:-says-Sheikh-Rasheed#.W5PZTugzbIV|title=Railways to donate Rs100mn to dam fund annually: says Sheikh Rasheed - Dunya News|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Real estate tycoon [[Malik Riaz]] and [[ARY Digital Network]] president [[Salman Iqbal]] donated 50 million and 10 million rupees to the fund respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/294858/salman-iqbal-malik-riaz-donate-millions-to-dam-fund/amp/|title=Salman Iqbal, Malik Riaz donate millions to dam fund - Daily Times|date=8 September 2018|website=dailytimes.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> ''[[The Express Tribune]]'' reported that before Khan's speech, the dam fund established by Chief Justice of Pakistan had already collected around Rs 1.93 billion, and the vast majority (around Rs 1.91 billion) of funds had been raised domestically. According to the source, there was widespread enthusiasm among overseas compatriots to donate but they could not do so due to the select number of Pakistani bank branches abroad, as well as a lack of awareness on where, how and which avenues to donate through. The Chief Justice provided special instructions to the [[Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan]] to resolve these issues on an urgent basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1797957/1/|title=CJP's dams donation drive fails to woo overseas Pakistanis - The Express Tribune|date=7 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
==Relations with the military==
On 21 August 2018, Khan paid tribute to sufferers of terrorism and sang praise for the military and security agencies of Pakistan for combating terrorism.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sana Jamal, Correspondent|url=https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/imran-khan-pays-tribute-to-terror-victims-with-resolve-to-combat-violence-1.2269103 |title=Imran Khan pays tribute to terror victims with resolve to combat violence |publisher=GulfNews.com |accessdate=2018-08-21}}</ref>
On 27 August 2018, [[Pakistan Army]] chief [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]] extended his congratulations to Khan on being elected as premier; the two held their first meeting at Khan's office, during which the country's ongoing security situation and peace efforts were also discussed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pak-army-chief-calls-on-imran-khan-for-first-meeting-discusses-security-1907066|title=Pak Army Chief Calls On Imran Khan For First Meeting, Discusses Security|work=NDTV|date=27 August 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref>
On 30 August 2018, Khan paid his first visit to [[General Headquarters (Pakistan Army)]] in [[Rawalpindi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/209140-govt-to-provide-all-resources-to-maintain-capability-capacity-of-army-pm|title=PM Imran visits GHQ, assures govt support to Army for required resources|website=geo.tv|accessdate=30 August 2018}}</ref> The iconic claim of "civil-military leadership on one page" came on the new government's day 13 when information minister cleared all doubts of differences between the civilian government and the military leadership by repeating that sentence but added that this time "they share the same book" as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/209258-civil-military-leadership-on-one-page-claims-information-minister|title=Civil-military leadership on same page, says information minister|website=geo.tv|accessdate=30 August 2018}}</ref> Khan's meeting at the GHQ lasted eight hours, during which he received briefings on highly sensitive and confidential security matters from the military establishment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429891|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan visits GHQ for security briefing|last=Dawn.com|date=30 August 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Next day, Khan invited prominent journalists and took them into confidence about his visit to GHQ.<ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1792301/1-pm-imran-reiterates-need-pak-us-ties-based-mutual-respect/|title=PGive us three months to perform, Imran asks media|website=tribune.com.pk|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref>
On 3 September 2018, at his office, Khan held a one-on-one meeting with army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the third such meeting since Khan assumed office. According to a press release, issues discussed included "matters related to security" which were broadly defined as "[[Defence Day (Pakistan)|Defence Day]], US-Pakistan relations, and the internal and external security situation". The meeting came ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's scheduled visit to Pakistan on 5 September. Defence analysts suggested the meeting was held to chalk out the government and military's joint strategy with respect to the U.S.<ref name="ET8">{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1794333/1-pm-coas-discuss-pak-us-ties-ahead-pompeo-visit/|title=Imran, army chief meet ahead of Pompeo's visit|work=Express Tribune|date=3 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018|first=Danish|last=Hussain}}</ref>
On 6 September, the country observed its annual Defence Day honouring soldiers and martyrs who died for the country. The event was held at the General Headquarters and attended by political leaders, members of the military, civil society and many notable public celebrities. During his address on the occasion, Khan paid tribute to the Pakistani soldiers and common people who died in past and present wars, and said the armed forces would "spare no effort to protect the motherland". He added: "Furthermore, we all collectively will face our problems following the Quaid's principles of faith, unity and discipline. Let's play our role with diligence and devotion for the progress of the country".<ref>Furthermore, we all collectively will face our problems following the Quaid's principles of faith, unity and discipline. Let's play our role with diligence and devotion for the progress of the country</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/210017-pm-khan-coas-bajwa-attend-defence-day-ceremony-at-ghq-rawalpindi|title=PM Khan, COAS Bajwa attend Defence Day ceremony at GHQ Rawalpindi|website=geo.tv|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> Khan also said his foreign policy would prioritise the nation's interests above all else, that Pakistan would "not become part of a war of any other country" in the future, and that he had been against the very [[War on Terror]] from the beginning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/pakistan-wont-fight-other-countrys-battles-imran-khan-on-war-on-terror-1870553.html|title=Pakistan Won't Fight Other Country's Battles, Imran Khan on 'War on Terror'|website=news18.com|date=7 September 2018|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> He also ruled out the frequently discussed "civil-military" dynamics as a myth, stating that "There is no such thing as a civil-military tug of war... Our goals are same, that is to make Pakistan as one of the greatest countries of the world".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/364819-pm-imran-khan-rules-out-rift-in-civil-military-relations|title=PM Imran Khan rules out rift in civil-military relations|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 7 September, the [[Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee]], general [[Zubair Mahmood Hayat]], held a meeting with Khan at the Prime Minister's office and discussed matters relating to the armed forces.<ref name="ET"/>
On 6 October, Khan visited [[Quetta]] along with army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, his first trip to Balochistan after taking charge. He was received at the airport by the chief minister [[Jam Kamal Khan]]. During his trip, Khan received a briefing from Bajwa on the province's security matters at [[XII Corps (Pakistan)|Southern Command]] Headquarters, and held meetings with the province's governor, chief minister, provincial cabinet members, and civil society representatives to assess the progress of development projects. The briefings included discussions on the Khushal Balochistan development program, security of [[CPEC]] projects underway throughout the province, and progress in [[Afghanistan–Pakistan barrier|fencing off the Pakistan–Afghanistan border]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1437208/pm-khan-visits-quetta-for-maiden-official-tour|title = Federal govt will facilitate provincial set-up in building a 'Naya Balochistan': PM Khan|date = 6 October 2018}}</ref> He was accompanied by Senate chairman [[Sadiq Sanjrani]], deputy National Assembly speaker [[Qasim Khan Suri]] and interior minister [[Shehryar Khan Afridi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1819577/1|title=PM Imran vows greater CPEC share for Balochistan|date=October 6, 2018|website=The Express Tribune}}</ref>
==Foreign relations==
[[File:Mike Pompeo with Imran Khan in Islamabad - 2018 (29559549217).jpg|thumb|Khan speaks with U.S. Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] and his delegation in Islamabad, September 2018]]
Shah Mehmood Qureshi was sworn in as the new Foreign Minister, along with the rest of Khan's cabinet, on 20 August. Qureshi held his first press conference as foreign minister, during which he said the new government's foreign policy would put "Pakistan first" and "begin and end at Pakistan", emphasizing a focus on national interests.<ref name="SMQ"/> He said all policies would be made at the Foreign Office, and expressed willingness to consult previous foreign ministers, retired diplomats as well as important institutions whilst devising the foreign policy. He briefly touched upon Pakistan's relations with its neighbourhood, the United States and China, and outlined the government's visions and road map in the months to come.<ref name="SMQ">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1785114/1-dialogue-way-forward-india-say-qureshi/|title=Pakistan's foreign policy will be made at Foreign Office, says Qureshi - The Express Tribune|date=20 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 21 August 2018, in line with his agenda of promoting the interests of expatriate Pakistanis, Khan stressed the importance of the contributions made by 400,000 [[Pakistani Canadians|Pakistanis living in Canada]] during a call with [[Justin Trudeau]].<ref name="auto4"/>
Prime minister [[Imran Khan]] offered [[India]] peace talks to improve mutual relationships for better trade and normalise the situation in the region. He further said that the only way to move forward is through dialogues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1428525/pm-offers-india-talks-trade-for-better-relations|title=Qureshi pledges course correction in foreign policy|date=August 22, 2018|website=dawn.com}}</ref>
On 23 August 2018, Khan offered humanitarian assistance to [[2018 Kerala floods|flood]] ravaged [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-pm-offers-humanitarian-aid-to-kerala/articleshow/65519812.cms|title=Pakistan PM offers 'humanitarian aid' to Kerala - Times of India|website=indiatimes.com|accessdate=23 August 2018}}</ref>
On 24 August, Khan paid his first visit to Pakistan's Foreign Office, where he was received by the foreign minister and officers of the [[Foreign Service of Pakistan|Foreign Service]]. He received a briefing from officials on the country's present foreign policy, political and security dynamics, and Pakistan's relations with several key countries. Khan emphasised that he would pursue an independent and proactive foreign policy with "no compromise on national interests", seek relations based on parity, and bridge the trust deficits in regional relations. He also said Pakistan's [[List of diplomatic missions of Pakistan|overseas embassies]] would adopt a key role in this.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/453759-PM-Imran-Khan-maiden-visit-Foreign-Office|title=No compromise on national interests, PM Imran gives guideline to FO|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 24 August 2018, a dispute arose after [[Mike Pompeo]]'s call with Khan with US State Department saying that Pompeo discussed "terrorists operating from within Pakistan" while Pakistan's foreign office denying it in the strongest possible words<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PM Imran makes maiden visit to Foreign Office - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=24 August 2018}}</ref> but US State Department reaffirming its statement even after Pakistan's denial.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/we-stand-by-our-readout-us-on-statement-about-imran-khan-pompeo-call-1905598|title="We Stand By Our Readout": US On Statement About Imran Khan-Pompeo Call|website=ndtv.com|accessdate=24 August 2018}}</ref>
On 27 August, the Chinese and Saudi Arabian ambassadors met Khan separately at his office, during which the envoys congratulated Khan and discussed the strength and progress of [[China–Pakistan relations]] and [[Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/saudi-chinese-envoys-call-on-pm-imran-khan-discuss-issues-of-mutual-interest/|title=Saudi, Chinese envoys call on PM Imran Khan, discuss issues of mutual interest|website=dailypakistan.com.pk|date=27 August 2018|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref>
On 28 August 2018, responding to a letter from the Asia director of [[Human Rights Watch]], Khan's human rights minister urged the organization to take up the matter of human rights violations against Palestinians by Israel and against Muslims living in the European countries in the form of restrictions on their dress code, building houses of worship, and the attacks on their religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1789885/1-mazari-rebukes-hrw-lecturing-pm-imran-making-human-rights-priority/|title=Mazari rebukes HRW over 'lecturing' PM Imran on making human rights priority - The Express Tribune|date=28 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref>
A nine-member Indian delegation under the [[Permanent Indus Commission]] arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit to discuss water sharing rights as per the [[Indus Waters Treaty]], and to discuss bilateral concerns on current hydro-projects.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429204|title=Water talks with Delhi to resume on 29th in Lahore|work=Dawn|date=27 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429489|title=9-member Indian delegation reaches Lahore for two-day water talks with Pakistan|work=Dawn|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> Both sides agreed to allow each other to tour and inspect hydro-projects on their respective sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-pak-agree-on-iwt-mandated-tours-to-both-sides-of-indus-basin-1909535|title=India, Pak Agree To Tours On Both Sides Of Indus basin For Power Projects|work=NDTV|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref>
On 30 August 2018, United States State Department released the transcript of the call between Pompeo and Khan which proved that Pompeo discussed "terrorists operating from Pakistan", leading analysts to claim a diplomatic embarrassment for the Pakistani government.<ref name="DP1">{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/diplomatic-embarrassment-us-releases-transcript-of-pm-khan-pompeo-phone-call/|title=Diplomatic embarrassment: US releases transcript of PM Khan, Pompeo phone call|website=dailypakistan.com.pk|date=30 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> However, the Pakistani foreign ministry released a statement that it wanted to bury the matter and move forward ahead of Pompeo's visit to Pakistan scheduled over the coming week: "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has already issued a detailed clarification and we will not comment further on this matter". According to another official: "Now, we don't want to create more misunderstandings as we already have trust issues with the US. Raising this issue further could mean more misunderstandings".<ref name="DP1"/> The same day, the Japanese foreign minister [[Kazuyuki Nakane]] arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit to consolidate both countries "excellent bilateral relations", and held talks with the new government. He was one of the first foreign dignitaries to visit the country following the formation of the new government. Pakistan's finance minister Asad Umar notably gave his first foreign interview to a Japanese agency, and both sides emphasised increasing their current bilateral trade, as well as continuing Japanese projects inside Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/360311-japanese-state-minister-to-visit-pakistan|title=apanese state minister to visit Pakistan|work=The News|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018|first=Mariana|last=Babar}}</ref> Japan agreed to extend over Rs 2.6 billion worth of grants to inaugurate a weather surveillance installation in Multan, and a human resource development program.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/japan-to-extend-over-rs-2-6-billion-grant-assistance-to-pakistan/articleshow/65634362.cms|title=Japan to extend over Rs 2.6 billion grant assistance to Pakistan|work=India Times|date=1 September 2018|access-date=1 September 2018}}</ref>
On 31 August 2018, Khan denied a phone call to French president [[Emmanuel Macron]] twice during a meeting with journalists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/454882-Prime-Minister-Imran-Khan-French-President-Journalists-Meeting-PTI|title=PM Imran turns down French president's call twice|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> Later, he talked to the French president, both counterparts exchanged views about mutual cooperation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430285
|title=Macron, Imran exchange views on phone|website=dawn.com|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> In a separate development, Khan said his government will not accept any unfair demands by the United States. He added that Pakistan seeks to improve ties with Washington and peaceful relations in the region. The prime minister further added that government would cancel any agreements made against national interests by previous governments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/209362|title=Won't accept any unjust demand by US, says PM Khan|website=www.geo.tv|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> Iranian Foreign Minister [[Mohammad Javad Zarif]] along with Iran's military chief arrived on a two-day official visit, becoming the first foreign dignitaries to visit the new Pakistani leadership. Both sides' civil and military sides held joint talks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/361805-iranian-foreign-ministerarrives-on-two-day-visit|title=Iranian foreign minister arrives on two-day visit|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref> The visit and the developments surrounding it were viewed positively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/230860.html|title=Pakistan's minister: Zarif visit shows importance of ties|website=www.iran-daily.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irna.ir/en/News/83017445|title=Pakistan terms FM Zarif's visit as positive development|website=irna.ir|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Pakistan expressed its support to Iran over its ongoing nuclear deal row with the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430289|title=Pakistan backs Iran over US nuclear deal row|work=Dawn|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed that it was closing down its consulate in [[Jalalabad]], Afghanistan, reportedly due to security issues and interference by [[Nangarhar Province|Nangarhar]] provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat "in the affairs of the consulate" which it said was in violation of the [[Vienna Convention on Consular Relations|Vienna Convention]]. According to Pakistan, it had apprised the Afghan government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/31-08-2018/pakistan-closes-its-consulate-in-afghan-city-of-jalalabad|title=Pakistan closes its Consulate in Afghan city of Jalalabad|work=Radio Pakistan|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> Afghanistan's foreign ministry spokesman said the matter was due to a simple "misunderstanding", and assured all issues would be resolved soon following meetings with Pakistani officials at the Kabul embassy, following which the consulate will be reopened.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-temporarily-closes-consulate-afghanistan-57544824|title=Pakistan temporarily closes consulate in Afghanistan|work=ABC News|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref>
On 2 September 2018, [[The Pentagon]] said it had cancelled $300 million in aid to Pakistan, supposedly due to a lack of "decisive action against militants". The suspension was in addition to another $500 million worth of Coalition Support Funds which had been withheld earlier in the year under the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] and was done to ratchet up pressure according to observers. The news came ahead of a scheduled visit to Islamabad by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, general [[Joseph Dunford]]. Analysts speculated on how the developments may tie with Khan's past stance against U.S. drone strikes, and his complete opposition to the U.S. presence inside Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793273/1-pentagon-cancels-300-aid-pakistan-csf/|title=Pentagon cancels $300 million aid to Pakistan|work=The Express Tribune|date=2 September 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref> Pakistan's foreign minister said that this money was not an aid instead it was a due right of Pakistan as a reimbursement for the losses suffered by the country in the war on terror.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/362985-fm-qureshi-responds-to-us-aid-suspension-imran-macron-phone-call|title=FM Qureshi responds to US aid cancellation, Imran-Macron phone call|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=2 September 2018|accessdate=3 September 2018}}</ref> Prime minister of [[Bangladesh]], [[Sheikh Hasina]] offered cooperation to Khan's government saying that the cooperation will be for the welfare of masses of Pakistan and not the "conspirators" and she expressed hope that Khan can "hit all the sixes" by staying in power.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/bangladesh-may-extend-cooperation-to-new-pakistan-government-sheikh-hasina/articleshow/65648295.cms|title=Bangladesh may extend cooperation to new Pakistan government: Sheikh Hasina - Times of India|website=timesofindia.com|access-date=2 September 2018}}</ref>
On 3 September, a meeting was reported between army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Khan. The two were reported to have touched upon the government and military's joint position vis-a-vis the United States, ahead of Pompeo's visit to Pakistan scheduled in two days.<ref name="ET8"/> The Afghan foreign minister [[Salahuddin Rabbani]] telephoned Shah Mehmood Qureshi, during Rabbani congratulated the latter on his appointment and both sides discussed the reopening of the Pakistani consulate in Jalalabad.<ref name="ET"/>
On 4 September 2018, Khan reviewed the progress of energy projects such as [[Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline]] and [[Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PTI's Arif Alvi elected President of Pakistan - |date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Mike Pompeo with Imran Khan in Islamabad - 2018 (44497050781).jpg|thumb|[[Mike Pompeo]] with Prime Minister Khan in Islamabad in September 2018]]
On 5 September 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived on a one-day visit to Islamabad as part of his South Asia tour, along with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford. Pompeo's delegation held meetings with the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, followed by a meeting with Khan during which top Pakistani military officials were also present. Both sides discussed "bilateral, regional and international issues". Following the meeting with Khan, Pompeo said he was "hopeful" of resetting bilateral relations, adding that "I'm hopeful that the foundation that we laid today will set the conditions for continued success" and said ensuring peace in Afghanistan was a "shared goal" of both countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/pompeo-lands-pakistan-seeking-reset-ties-islamabad-081905878--spt.html|title=Pompeo 'hopeful' after meeting with Pakistan's Imran Khan|work=Yahoo News|date=6 September 2018|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref> Prior to leaving for Pakistan, Pompeo had said: "First stop Pakistan; a new leader there. I wanted to get out there at the beginning of his [Khan's] time in an effort to reset the relationship between the two countries... There are lots of challenges between our two nations for sure, but we’re hopeful that with the new leadership, we can find common ground and begin to work on some of our shared problems together... So we’ll have three opportunities to walk through the complexity that is this relationship and hopefully begin to make some progress so that we can get back to a set of common understandings... We need Pakistan to seriously engage to help us get to the reconciliation we need in Afghanistan".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pompeo-seeks-path-forward-with-pakistan-progress-in-anti-terrorism-efforts/4558334.html|title=Pompeo in Pakistan as US Ties Reach Low Point|first=Ayaz|last=Gul|website=voanews.com|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431096/pm-imran-khan-us-secy-of-state-pompeo-discuss-bilateral-ties-during-meeting-at-pm-house|title=PM Imran Khan, US Secy of State Pompeo discuss bilateral ties during meeting at PM House|first1=Anwar |last1=Iqbal |first2=Inamullah|last2=Khattak|date=5 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=5 September 2018}}</ref> The [[Embassy of the United States, Islamabad|U.S. embassy]] issued a press release stating Pompeo "emphasised the important role Pakistan could play in bringing about a negotiated peace in Afghanistan, and conveyed the need for Pakistan to take "sustained and decisive measures against terrorists and militants threatening regional peace and stability".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mike-pompeo-us-state-secretary-tells-imran-khan-pakistan-pm-do-more-to-curb-terror-1911986|title="Do More" To Curb Terror, US State Secretary Tells Pakistan PM Imran Khan|website=ndtv.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="ET2">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1796362/1-pakistan-us-end-impasse-ties/|title=Pakistan, US 'end impasse in ties'|date=7 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a press conference following the meetings however and said, while responding to questions, that there was no demand of "do more" from Washington.<ref name="ET2"/> Qureshi said there had been a 'forward movement', and that the negotiations, which he described as being held in a very "cordial and positive" environment, set the stage for "resetting the ties and the impasse in the relationship has been broken." He dismissed perceptions that there had been any tough talks from either side during the meeting, stating the environment of the meeting had in fact resulted in ice being thawed.<ref name="ET"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431096/pompeo-qureshi-underscore-need-to-reset-bilateral-ties|title=PM Imran Khan, US Secy of State Pompeo discuss bilateral ties during meeting at PM House|first1=Anwar |last1=Iqbal| first2=Inamullah|last2=Khattak|date=5 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> He also said that the prime minister and army leadership had participated in the main meeting jointly, to send a message that all institutions were on the same page. Regarding Afghanistan's peace process, he commented that "This is the position Imran has been advocating for years. It is a welcome development that the US has expressed readiness for direct talks with the Taliban."<ref name="ET2"/> Information minister Fawad Chaudhry that nearly 3,000 Pakistani prisoners facing death row in Iran were going to be granted relief in the wake of Tehran amending its anti-narcotics laws, and that the Pakistani government had raised this matter with Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif during his visit.<ref name="Dawn7"/>
A Saudi trade delegation led by the Saudi deputy minister for foreign trade, Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi, met with Pakistani trade and commerce ministry officials led by commerce secretary Mohammed Younus Dagha in Islamabad. Both sides pledged to boost their $3.2 billion trade further, as well as increasing investment and private sector trade, and expanding ties in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1367676/pakistan|title=Pakistan-Saudi trade ties to scale new heights|date=6 September 2018|website=arabnews.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Indonesia announced that it was sending a trade mission to Pakistan to study its industry, and also to tap the local market for its [[palm oil production in Indonesia|palm oil exports]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1797172/2-indonesia-plans-send-trade-mission-study-pakistans-industry/|title=Indonesia plans to send trade mission to study Pakistan's industry|date=7 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Exposición Internacional de Importaciones de China, Shanghai. (45685970402).jpg|thumb|Khan at the first China International Import Expo in November 2018]]
On 7 September, China's foreign minister [[Wang Yi (politician)|Wang Yi]] became the latest foreign dignitary after Iran, Japan, and the United States, to arrive in Pakistan, on a three-day visit to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing economic projects under the multibillion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431455/chinese-foreign-minister-arriving-in-pakistan-today-on-three-day-visit|title=Chinese foreign minister arriving in Pakistan today on three-day visit|first=Amir|last=Wasim|date=7 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> Wang met with Qureshi, as did their respective delegations, and also met Khan and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Following their meeting, the two foreign ministers held a press conference during which both announced the two countries had agreed to deepen their ongoing strategic cooperation.<ref name="geo10">{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/210324-pakistan-china-agree-to-strengthen-strategic-cooperation|title=Pakistan, China agree to strengthen strategic cooperation|website=geo.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Qureshi said CPEC was a vital instrument of Pakistan's socio-economic development and said both sides touched upon their bilateral trade, poverty alleviation efforts, cultural links, job creations and education sector developments.<ref name="geo10"/> Previously, Khan had made many references to emulating the Chinese model of rapid social and economic development in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1799279/2-pakistan-target-become-moderately-developed-country/|title = Pakistan should target to become moderately developed country|date = 9 September 2018}}</ref> The Chinese side lauded Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, and Yi emphasised that "China will continue to support Pakistan as per its foreign policy".<ref name="geo10"/> He extended an invitation to Khan to attend the 2018 Chinese International Import Expo as a guest of honour.<ref name="geo10"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/365680-pakistan-china-vow-to-strengthen-strategic-cooperation|title=Pakistan, China vow to strengthen strategic cooperation|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> The two sides appreciated Pakistan's provision of security to [[Chinese people in Pakistan|Chinese citizens in Pakistan]] which included workers.<ref name="geo10"/> Yi also offered clarification on China's [[One Belt, One Road]] projects in Pakistan under the aegis of the CPEC, and said the projects were not "debt" but rather investments that would "unleash huge economic benefits.. and these will create considerable returns to the Pakistani economy." He explained the CPEC projects had so far created 70,000 jobs in Pakistan and added to economic growth by one to two per cent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798298/1-pakistan-will-not-let-land-used-terrorism-fm-qureshi/|title=Chinese top diplomat says Beijing not saddling Pakistan with debt - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> An article in ''[[The Financial Times]]'' dated 9 September claimed that Pakistan was planning to renegotiate the terms of agreements existing under CPEC, especially those that were perceived to be tilted away from Pakistan's favour; the report quoted Abdul Razzaq Dawood, the cabinet member for commerce, textiles and industry stating: "The previous government did a bad job negotiating with China on CPEC — they didn't do their homework correctly and didn't negotiate correctly so they gave away a lot. Chinese companies received tax breaks, many breaks and have an undue advantage in Pakistan; this is one of the things we're looking at because it's not fair that Pakistan companies should be disadvantaged".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d4a3e7f8-b282-11e8-99ca-68cf89602132|title=Become an FT subscriber to read &#124; Financial Times|newspaper=Financial Times|date=9 September 2018|last1=Anderlini|first1=Jamil|last2=Sender|first2=Henny|last3=Bokhari|first3=Farhan}}</ref> However, this report was swiftly refuted later by both Pakistani and Chinese government sources; Dawood said he had been quoted "out of context" in many parts of the report, on which he would be adding clarification, while the commerce ministry said CPEC was a national priority under Pakistan's long-term economic plans whose future held "complete unanimity". The Chinese embassy in Islamabad clarified that CPEC was a mutually beneficial project, which was being carried forward by both governments "according to the needs of Pakistan and for the development of Pakistan".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1799826/1-pakistan-china-react-angrily-financial-times-report-cpec/|title=No rollback of CPEC, Pakistan assures China|date=10 September 2018}}</ref>
On 7 September, Saudi Arabia's minister for information and culture [[Awwad Alawwad]] also arrived in the country and met his Pakistani counterpart, Fawad Chaudhry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/07-09-2018/saudi-information-minister-arrived-in-islamabad-on-a-visit-to-pakistan|title=Bilateral relations of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to further improve with new PTI Govt: Saudi Info Minister|website=www.radio.gov.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofislamabad.com/07-Sep-2018/saudi-arabia-minister-arrives-in-pakistan|title=Saudi Arabia Minister arrives in Pakistan|date=7 September 2018|website=timesofislamabad.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> The two discussed extending the current Pakistani-Saudi cooperation in all fields, particularly economic development and the media sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1368696/saudi-arabia|title=Riyadh-Islamabad to switch on the channel for better ties|date=8 September 2018|website=arabnews.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> The Saudi minister was also poised to meet Khan, in addition to the political and military leadership. Pakistan expressed its support for ongoing Saudi reforms, including the [[Saudi Vision 2030|Vision 2030]]. Alawwad said Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong and deep relations with Pakistan based on mutual trust.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/09/07/saudi-info-minister-arrives-on-official-visit/|title=Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to expand cooperation in diverse fields: Fawad &#124; Pakistan Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/456039-Pakistan-Saudi-Arabia-proud-deep-relations-Awwad-bin-Saleh|title=Pakistan, Saudi Arabia proud of their deep relations: Dr Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
==Stand on blasphemous caricature contest==
On 20 August 2018, the cabinet condemned the government of [[Netherlands]]' action to allow an MP to display "blasphemous caricatures" .<ref name="auto3"/> On 27 August 2018, while addressing the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]] Khan said that his government will bring forth the issue of sacrilegious caricatures in [[United Nations General Assembly]] and it will also push the [[Organization of Islamic Cooperation]] to formulate a united framework against the publication of such caricatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/27/pakistan-to-move-oic-for-policy-against-blasphemous-content/|title=Pakistan to move OIC for policy against blasphemous content|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk|accessdate=27 August 2018}}</ref> On 28 August 2018, Pakistan formally registered its protest with the Dutch government over a proposed sacrilegious caricature competition by a Dutch MP, [[Geert Wilders]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/28/fm-writes-letter-to-oic-secretary-general-on-issue-of-blasphemous-content/|title=Pakistan, OIC register protest with Netherlands Government over blasphemous caricatures|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> Foreign minister wrote a letter to OIC secretary-general to call up a meeting to discuss the matter of offensive caricatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/28/fm-writes-letter-to-oic-secretary-general-on-issue-of-blasphemous-content/|title=Pakistan writes to OIC for moot on blasphemous caricatures contest|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref> On 29 August 2018, the [[Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan]] head [[Khadim Hussain Rizvi]] demanded the government to cut all ties with Dutch government, kick out its ambassador from [[Islamabad]], summon Pakistani ambassador back from Netherlands, and toughen the stance against United States since irreligious caricature contest judge is an American.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/tehreek-e-labbaik-pakistan-tlp-march-on-islamabad-with-demand-to-cut-dutch-ties/|title=TLP marches on Islamabad with demand to cut Dutch ties|website=dailypakistan.com.pk|date=29 August 2018|accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> Following Pakistan's diplomatic escalation to the Dutch government against a blasphemous caricature contest planned by Dutch MP Geert Wilders, he announced on 30 August 2018 that the contest had been cancelled for safety reasons. The Pakistani government credited their stance on the issue and said a "major crisis" had been averted.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1791761/1-dutch-lawmaker-cancels-blasphemous-caricatures-contest/|title=Dutch lawmaker cancels blasphemous caricatures contest - |date=31 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/31/geert-wilders-cancels-muhammad-cartoon-contest-pakistan-protests/|title=Geert Wilders cancels Muhammad cartoon contest after Pakistan protests|work=The Telegraph|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018|first1=James|last1=Crisp|first2=Ben|last2=Farmer}}</ref> On [[Twitter]], whilst reacting to a Pakistani foreign ministry statement, Wilders wrote: "Don't claim victory too soon. I am not finished with you yet. I will expose your barbarism in many other ways."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/31/dont-claim-victory-too-soon-geert-wilders-warns-pakistan/|title=Don't claim victory too soon: Geert Wilders warns Pakistan|work=Pakistan Today|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref>
==Government reforms and other initiatives==
On 17 August, a day before Khan took oath as premier, the Supreme Court ruled a landmark decision allowing overseas Pakistanis the [[right to vote]] via an internet system. The court had been hearing a petition filed by Khan who had long sought voting rights for Pakistanis abroad, with his party enjoying a large following amongst the diaspora.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427545|title=In a first, SC allows overseas Pakistanis to vote in upcoming by-polls|first=Rana|last=Bilal|date=17 August 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Overseas Pakistanis would be able to avail this right during the by-elections scheduled on October 14 for 37 constituencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798066/1-overseas-pakistanis-give-lacklustre-response/|title=Overseas Pakistanis give lacklustre response - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 21 August 2018, Khan directed to make plans for treatment of table tennis player Mehak Anwar who is the daughter of a peon and is suffering from cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Sports/453580-PM-Imran-directs-cancer-treatment-of-Table-Tennis-player-Mehak|title=PM Imran directs cancer treatment of Table Tennis player Mehak|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=22 August 2018}}</ref> Same day, the information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that government is ending political censorship from state-run media outlets such as [[Pakistan Television Corporation]] and [[Radio Pakistan]] so they can produce content with complete freedom instead of just singing praise for the government.<ref>{{cite news|author=IANS |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/pakistan-s-new-government-lifts-political-censorship-of-state-media-118082101018_1.html |title=Pakistan's new government lifts political censorship of state media |newspaper=Business Standard India |publisher=Business-standard.com |date= 21 August 2018|accessdate=2018-08-21}}</ref> Elaborating on the media policy days later, Fawad Chaudhry said the government was proposing to merge the existing [[Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority]] (PEMRA) and Press Council of Pakistan into one top body, which would be rechristened as the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PMRA). There was also a desire to strengthen existing [[cyber law]]s under the aegis of the [[Federal Investigation Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/361345-rules-must-be-framed-for-cyber-crime-law-shibli|title=Rules must be framed for cyber crime law: Shibli|website=thenews.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 23 August 2018, Khan told Chief Minister of Punjab, [[Sardar Usman Buzdar]] to work on changing the ways of [[Punjab Police (Pakistan)|Punjab Police]].<ref name="dunyanews.tv">{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/453812-PTI-Prime-Minister-Imran-Khan-Punjab-CM-Usman-Buzdar-Cabinet-Aleem-Khan|title=PM Imran, Punjab CM agree to keep provincial cabinet small|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref>
On 24 August 2018, the cabinet decided to change the work hours from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm to 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in government offices. Khan ordered the formation of a task force to look into problems of ''katchi abadis'' (slums) in the country.<ref name="auto"/>
On 25 August 2018, an inquiry committee investigating Result Transmission System failure on election day recommended Khan to remove chairman and other officials at [[NADRA]].<ref name="tribune.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: PM Imran nominates new leader of house for Senate - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=26 August 2018}}</ref>
On 27 August 2018, the government directed Federal Investigation Agency to banish the VIP protocol at airports which is usually given to elites including military officials, judges, senior bureaucrats, journalists, legislators, and politicians. All previous governments decided about this measure but could never implement it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/pakistan-bans-vip-protocol-at-airports/1293250/|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan government bans VIP protocol to 'influential people' at airports|date=27 August 2018|website=financialexpress.com|accessdate=27 August 2018}}</ref>
On 28 August 2018, the cabinet gave ninety days to the task forces to come up with a plan to fulfil their assigned obligations while the prime minister will review their performance every fifteen days. It was also decided that the government will work with the opposition parties to bring about a consensus on the creation of South Punjab province so that a constitutional amendment can be tabled after ensuring two-thirds majority support in the parliament. The advisor Arbab Shehzad will work on speeding the process of the remainder of tasks for the merger of [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]] into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced the formation of a working committee headed by law minister [[Farogh Naseem]] which will plan to strengthen NAB laws and ensure inheritance rights for women.<ref name="auto5"/>
On 29 August 2018, the government decided to create a new media regulatory authority called Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority by merging all existing such authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783029/1-lofty-expectations-imrans-first-100-days-office/|title=First 100 days: Accountability remains top priority for PM Imran - The Express Tribune|date=18 August 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref> Aleem Khan announced that he will present a recommendation for a new local government system in Punjab to the prime minister on 1 September 2018, under this new system, local governments will have financial and administrative powers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/454567-Punjab-new-local-government-setup-Aleem-Khan-PTI|title=Preparations underway for new local govt setup in Punjab|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=29 August 2018}}</ref>
On 31 August 2018, Khan invited prominent journalists and took them into confidence about the security situation in the country, different challenges and policy road map. During this interaction, he asked the media to give his government three months to perform.<ref name="auto6"/> Same day, talking about election mismanagement [[Azam Khan Swati]] a politician associated with the ruling party revealed that the government has decided to investigate allegations related to election mismanagement, he blamed NADRA for the failure of RTS on election day and exonerated Election Commission of Pakistan. He added that the appointment of the NADRA chairman by the previous government was controversial and he should be temporarily terminated for the inquiry to go forward. This drew a strong reaction from NADRA, the agency saying it's ready for a forensic audit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430284/govt-decides-to-launch-probe-into-poll-results-manipulation|title=Govt decides to launch probe into poll results' manipulation|website=dawn.com|accessdate=31 August 2018}}</ref>
On 1 September 2018, during a meeting headed by [[Chief Minister of Balochistan]], [[Jam Kamal Khan]] the head of the coalition government supported by Imran Khan's party, the chief minister took initiatives to improve traffic and building management of [[Quetta]] city, he directed vehicle showrooms, storage facilities (godowns), and garages to be moved out of the city. He also directed not to issue any permits to the hospitals, and shopping malls that do not have a parking lot. He directed to complete installation of smart traffic signals at fourteen intersections in the city and the completion of the construction of public parking places.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1792507/1-balochistan-cm-issues-orders-formation-standing-committees/|title=Balochistan CM issues orders for formation of standing committees|date=1 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> BBC appreciated a visible change in censorship policy of state-owned news media which included Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and social media accounts. It was noted that equal representation is given to opposition parties, which was strictly controlled previously in favour of the ruling party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/09/01/bbc-acknowledges-marked-change-in-ptv-news-coverage/|title=BBC acknowledges 'marked change' in PTV News coverage|date=1 September 2018|website=pakistantoday.com.pk|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref> Prime minister directed the Punjab government to take action against groups and mafias involved in encroachment and occupation of public properties. During a high-level meeting, he ordered to revamp local body system effectively, reform police system, reform the civil services and federal bureaucracy in line with a proposed government programme,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793160/1-govt-discuss-revamping-lg-system/|title=PM chairs high-level meeting today|work=The Express Tribune|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018|first=Danish|last=Hussain}}</ref> remove barricades from [[Lahore]] city, and audit ongoing and completed projects for complete transparency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793001/1-pm-imran-urges-punjab-cabinet-members-eliminate-corruption-priority/|title=Imran orders Punjab CM to revamp LG system|website=The Tribune|date=September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/362598-pm-khan-orders-removal-of-lahore-barricades|title = PM Khan orders removal of Lahore barricades|date = September 2018}}</ref> He also directed ministers of Punjab government to work towards implementation of "100 day agenda".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/209501|title=PM Khan directs Punjab govt for exemplary performance|website=www.geo.tv|date=September 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}</ref>
Khan ordered a comprehensive security plan for pilgrims visiting Iran, Iraq and other holy places in the month of [[Muharram]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/362987-pm-orders-comprehensive-security-plan-for-zaireen-visiting-holy-sites-in-iran-iraq|title=PM orders 'comprehensive' security plan for Zaireen visiting holy sites in Iran, Iraq|work=The News|date=September 2, 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref> He formed a committee to devise a plan for a new local government system. The committee is tasked to present a proposal in one week time. The proposal will be submitted to provincial assemblies for approval. It was reported that the prime minister already has approved a proposal presented by information minister Fawad Chaudhry. According to that proposal, existing district governments will abolish and new governments at the tehsil level will be created. Tehsil mayors will head these governments while city mayors will oversee the whole system of tehsil governments in their respective cities. The city and the tehsil mayors will be directly elected by a 51% vote. It has also been decided that union councils will continue and will not be replaced by village councils.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1430621|title=New local government system in the works|first=Syed Irfan|last=Raza|date=3 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref> The opposition PML-N on 8 September threatened to launch mass protests against the government if it sought to abolish the existing local government system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798060/1-pml-n-threatens-protest-pti-rolls-back-lg-system/|title=PML-N threatens protest if PTI rolls back LG system - The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Chief Minister Punjab, Usman Buzdar ordered anti-encroachment drive immediately across Punjab after the direction from the prime minister a day before.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/362979-cm-orders-anti-encroachment-drive-across-punjab|title=CM orders anti-encroachment drive across Punjab|work=The Dawn|date=September 2, 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018}}</ref> On 8 September, the first phase of the anti-encroachment drive was conducted in Islamabad under the [[Capital Development Authority (Islamabad)|Capital Development Authority]]; properties constructed on nearly two kilometres of illegally-occupied land were demolished and taken down. Fawad Chaudhry announced that the drives were being expanded into Karachi and Lahore, under the directives of the local governments there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/08-09-2018/massive-operation-launched-in-federal-capital-against-illegal-encroachments-fawad|title=Operation launched in Islamabad against encroachments: Fawad|website=www.radio.gov.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Railway minister announced a train service between [[Rawalpindi]] and [[Mianwali]], the ancestral city of Khan, the service will commence on 14 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/209602|title=Railway Minister announces Mianwali-Rawalpindi train service from Sep 14|website=www.geo.tv|date=2 September 2018|accessdate=3 September 2018}}</ref>
On 5 September 2018, the cabinet discussed policies relating to health, education, and water supply at the federal level. A task force on education, led by education minister [[Shafqat Mehmood]], was set up to explore how to bring out-of-school children into education.<ref name="Dawn7"/> Same day, Khan directed for a complete reformation of Pakistan Television and the constitution of the board of directors comprising professionals of integrity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/364346-pm-for-comprehensive-plan-to-restructure-ptv|title=PM for comprehensive plan to restructure PTV|website=www.thenews.com.pk|date=5 September 2018|accessdate=6 September 2018}}</ref> On 5 September 2018, Khan ordered not to terminate any government employee or contractor except by a court order.<ref name="dailypakistan.com.pk"/> The federal cabinet stated it was also abolishing the National Commission on Government Reforms (NCGR), and replacing it with a newly-appointed task force instead which would bring about reforms in the government structure and civil service. An Institutional Reforms Cell was set up in the Prime Minister's office to serve as the base of the task force, and the task force would put forth its proposals on reforms in 90 days. Issues pertaining to provincial matters would be put forth under the existing [[Council of Common Interests]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1795425/1-federal-cabinet-abolishes-ncgr/|title=Federal cabinet abolishes NCGR - The Express Tribune|date=5 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> On 7 September prime minister's office denied reports that any notification to terminate federal employees were ever issued and called an investigation of the matter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/amp/english/455941.php|title=PM Office orders inquiry into fake notification about govt employees|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref>
On 5 September 2018, [[Governor of Sindh]], [[Imran Ismail]] decided that [[Governor's House (Karachi)|Governor House]] will be open from 7 September for the people and educational tours for students to show them the articles used by [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]]. It will be open for public every day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sindh Governor House will be open for People and Students |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431237 |accessdate=6 September 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Governor House, Sindh has opened for public |url=https://nation.com.pk/07-Sep-2018/sindh-governor-house-opens-for-masses |accessdate=12 September 2018 |work=[[The Nation (Pakistan)]]}}</ref> Later on 9 September 2018, [[Governor of Punjab, Pakistan|Governor of Punjab]], [[Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar]] also opened the [[Governor's House (Lahore)]] and other Governor House (which is located in [[Murree]]) for the public. It will be open for public on every Sunday (10&nbsp;am to 6&nbsp;pm).<ref>{{cite news |title=Governor of Punjab, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar opened the Governor House, Murree for public |url=https://nation.com.pk/11-Sep-2018/governor-s-house-to-open-for-public-on-sundays |accessdate=11 September 2018 |work=[[The Nation (Pakistan)]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Governor House Murree is accessible for public |url=https://pakobserver.net/governor-house-murree-made-accessible-to-public/ |website=pakobserver.net |accessdate=12 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Punjab Governor opened Governor House for people |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/366587-punjab-governor-house-to-open-for-public-every-sunday |accessdate=11 September 2018 |work=[[The International News]]}}</ref> On 1 October 2018, the [[Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], [[Shah Farman]] also opened the [[Governor's House (Peshawar)]] for public.<ref>{{cite news |title=Governor House KP also opened for People |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/375246-governor-s-house-peshawar-finally-opened-to-public |accessdate=9 October 2018 |work=[[The International News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Governor House Peshawar opened for Public |url=https://timesofislamabad.com/30-Sep-2018/governor-house-peshawar-to-be-opened-for-general-public-on-sunday |accessdate=9 October 2018 |work=Times of Islamabad}}</ref> On 6 September, task forces were set up separately to oversee the ongoing merger process of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and the restructuring of the government and civil service.<ref name="ET"/> On 8 September, the PTI's Punjab government announced it was ending the "chit" system in government offices and that anyone seeking services would be allowed to enter the offices without a special permit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/mustwatch/94557/Punjab-cabinet-decides-to-end-chit-system-in-offices-|title=Punjab cabinet decides to end chit system in offices - Dunya News|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> NAB sought records of all hospitals and health centres in Punjab, as part of its corruption allegations probe in the health sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/mustwatch/94556/Alleged-corruption:-NAB-summons-record-of-Punjab%E2%80%99s-health-centers-#.W5PZ9-gzbIU|title=Alleged corruption: NAB seeks record of Punjab's health centers - Dunya News|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi assured pilgrims who were travelling to Iran during Muharram would be facilitated and given all necessary provisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/mustwatch/94572/Shehryar-Afridi-ensures-provision-of-all-possible-resources-to-pilgrims#.W5PhKOgzbIU|title=Shehryar Afridi ensures provision of all possible resources to pilgrims - Dunya News|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> On 7 September, major reshuffles had been announced in the top cadres of Punjab and Sindh police; the government appointed new senior officers in key positions, including that of the provincial [[inspector-general]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1798009/1-sindh-punjab-kps-top-police-cadres-reorganised/|title=Sindh, Punjab, K-P's top police cadres reorganised - The Express Tribune|date=7 September 2018|website=tribune.com.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Khan's two sons Sulaiman and Qasim also arrived in Pakistan from London on 8 September for a four-day visit, meeting their father for the first time since he became premier. They had previously been excluded from attending Khan's austere oath-taking ceremony as per his own directions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/210299-pm-khans-sons-sulaiman-isa-qasim-to-reach-islamabad-today-sources|title=PM Khan's sons Sulaiman Isa, Qasim reach Islamabad|website=geo.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> The ministry of religious affairs requested detailed feedback from all tour organisers on the quality of arrangements and facilities made for Pakistani pilgrims who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for the annual [[Hajj]] pilgrimage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/08-09-2018/religious-ministry-seeks-feedback-about-hajj-arrangements-from-private-scheme-hujjaj|title=Religious Ministry seeks feedback about Hajj arrangements from Private scheme Hujjaj|website=www.radio.gov.pk|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> The [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]], [[Filippo Grandi]], arrived in Pakistan and toured major Afghan refugee settlements. He lauded Pakistan's contribution in hosting refugees for over three decades. He said arrangements were being made on the progressive repatriation of Afghans to Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/09/08/arrangements-are-being-made-for-return-of-afghan-refugees-unhcr/|title=Arrangements are being made for return of Afghan refugees: UNHCR &#124; Pakistan Today}}</ref>
In Lahore, a fire engulfed a high-rise plaza, Ali Towers, on [[M.M. Alam Road]], leaving several people stranded inside the building. One man died of injuries after he jumped from the building to save himself. Fire brigades arrived on the site to douse off the flames. According to minister Fayaz-ul-Hasan Chohan, "every single person was rescued from the building". The plaza reportedly belonged to the son-in-law of Shehbaz Sharif. The Punjab chief minister ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident, and asked for a report from Punjab's inspector-general.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/210371-man-dies-after-jumping-off-lahore-plaza-to-escape-fire|title=Man dies after jumping off Lahore plaza to escape fire|website=geo.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref>
On 10 October, Khan launched the "Naya Pakistan Housing Program". Under the housing scheme, the government would aim to construct five million affordable houses for homeless people, and provide these homes within five years.<ref name="TN10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/379236-pm-inaugurate-naya-pakistan-housing-scheme|title = PM Imran Khan launches Naya Pakistan Housing Program}}</ref> Khan also announced that a National Financial Regulatory Body would be set up within 60 days to assist with the program's financial model and help arrange finances for the project. The law ministry would aim to deal with all legal hurdles being faced for the construction industry. At the same time, a housing colony was also announced for federal government employees known as the Federal Government Employees Scheme, which would be set up in coordination with the Punjab government.<ref name="TN10"/>
== Acquittal and release of Asia Bibi ==
{{Further|Asia Bibi blasphemy case}}
Following the acquittal of [[Asia Bibi]], a [[Pakistani Christian]] who was charged with blasphemy and kept in solitary confinement for eight years until found innocent on 31 October 2018,<ref name="Aqeel2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/october/asia-bibi-free-pakistan-blasphemy-death-supreme-court.html|title=Pakistan Frees Asia Bibi from Blasphemy Death Sentence|date=31 October 2018|publisher=Christianity Today|accessdate=31 October 2018|author=Asif Aqeel}}</ref> Islamist [[Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan|Tehreek-e-Labbaik]] party members held protests across Pakistan that included "blocking roads and damaging infrastructure".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/pakistan-thousands-protest-blasphemy-acquittal-ignore-pm-call-181101140852399.html|title=Pakistan: Thousands protest blasphemy acquittal, ignore PM's call|author=Asad Hashim|date=1 November 2018|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|accessdate=1 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="DW2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/asia-bibis-blasphemy-verdict-islamists-protest-across-pakistan/a-46101210|title=Asia Bibi′s blasphemy verdict: Islamists protest across Pakistan|date=31 October 2018|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|accessdate=31 October 2018}}</ref> Muhammad Afzal Qadri, a TLP co-founder, also called for the death of the three Supreme Court justices involved in hearing Bibi's appeal, stating "The Chief Justice and two others deserve to be killed ... Either their security guards, their drivers, or their chefs should kill them."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistani-islamists-are-on-the-boil-over-acquittal-of-asia-bibi/articleshow/66463406.cms|title=Pakistani Islamists are on the boil over acquittal of Asia Bibi|author=Omer Farooq Khan |date=1 November 2018|publisher=[[Times of India]]|accessdate=1 November 2018}}</ref>
On 2 November 2018, the [[Government of Pakistan]] under the administration of [[Imran Khan]] and the Tehreek-e-Labbaik political party, which encouraged the protests against Asia Bibi, came into an agreement that barred Asia Bibi from leaving the country, in addition to releasing Tehreek-e-Labbaik protesters who were under arrest.<ref name="N182018">{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/hardliners-to-call-off-protests-over-acquittal-of-asia-bibi-after-pm-imran-khans-govt-bars-her-from-leaving-pakistan-1928561.html|title=Asia Bibi Barred From Leaving Pakistan as Imran Khan Govt Strikes Deal With Islamist Protesters|date=2 November 2018|publisher=[[News 18]]|accessdate=2 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="Farmer2018">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/02/christian-woman-cleared-blasphemy-barred-leaving-pakistan/|title=Christian woman cleared of blasphemy barred from leaving Pakistan|date=2 November 2018|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|accessdate=2 November 2018|last1=Farmer|first1=Ben}}</ref><ref name="RP2018">{{cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/02-11-2018/successful-negotiations-between-tehreek-e-labbaik-and-govt|title=Govt & Tehreek-e-Labbaik reach agreement to end protests|date=2 November 2018|publisher=Radio Pakistan|accessdate=2 November 2018|archive-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525083750/http://www.radio.gov.pk/02-11-2018/successful-negotiations-between-tehreek-e-labbaik-and-govt|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="AhmadMasood2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/02/world/asia/pakistan-blasphemy-asia-bibi.html|title=Pakistan Makes Concessions to Protesters in Blasphemy Case|date=2 November 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=2 November 2018}}</ref> The deal includes expediting a motion in the court to place Asia Noreen on Pakistan's [[No Fly List#No fly lists in other countries|no fly list]], known officially as the [[Exit Control List]] (ECL).<ref name="Farmer2018"/> Due to pressure from Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Pakistani authorities will not release Asia Noreen until the "Supreme Court makes a final review of its verdict" as "Ghulam Mustafa, the lawyer representing a provincial cleric in Punjab who had filed the initial blasphemy charges against Bibi, petitioned the Supreme Court requesting that the judges review her acquittal."<ref name="Karim2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/asia-bibi-christian-pakistan-blasphemy-barred-from-leaving-acquittal/|title=Pakistan delays release of Christian woman after blasphemy acquittal|date=2 November 2018|publisher=[[CBN News]]|accessdate=2 November 2018}}</ref>
This agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Tehreek-e-Labbaik has led to "allegations [that] the government was capitulating to extremists".<ref name="2018BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46080067|title=Asia Bibi: Deal to end Pakistan protests over blasphemy case|date=2 November 2018|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2 November 2018}}</ref> Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry responded to these allegations, saying that "We had two options: either to use force and when you use force people can be killed. That is not something a state should do... We tried negotiations and (in) negotiations you take something and you leave something."<ref name="2018BBC"/> Asia Noreen's lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook called the agreement between the Government of Pakistan and the Islamists "painful", stating that "They cannot even implement an order of the country's highest court".<ref name="Mulook2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46082324|title=Asia Bibi: Lawyer flees Pakistan in fear of his life
|date=3 November 2018|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2 November 2018}}</ref> Feeling that his life was threatened, Mulook fled to Europe in order "to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi."<ref name="Mulook2018"/> British Pakistani Christian Association chairman Wilson Chowdhry stated that “I am not surprised that Imran Khan's regime has caved in to extremists”.<ref name="Stubley2018">{{cite web|author=Peter Stubley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/asia-bibi-pakistan-government-deal-islamist-extremist-protests-blasphemy-supreme-court-a8616011.html|title=Asia Bibi: Pakistan government stops Christian woman leaving country after 'caving in' to hardline Islamists|date=3 November 2018|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=2 November 2018|quote=Under the terms of the deal made on Friday night, prime minister Imran Khan’s administration said it would begin legal proceedings to place Asia Bibi on the “exit control list” (ECL). ... “I am not surprised that Imran Khan’s regime has caved in to extremists,” said Wilson Chowdhry, chair of the British Pakistani Christian Association.}}</ref> [[Jemima Goldsmith]], an ex-wife of [[Imran Khan]], similarly "said that Pakistan's government caved in to extremist demands to bar Asia Bibi from leaving the country", opining "Not the Naya Pakistan we'd hoped for. 3 days after a defiant & brave speech defending the judiciary, Pakistan's gov caves in to extremist demands to bar #AsiaBibi from leaving Pak, after she was acquitted of blasphemy- effectively signing her death warrant."<ref name="Goldsmith2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/389575-jemima-says-pakistans-govt-caves-in-to-extremist-demands-to-bar-asia-bibi-from-leaving|title=Jemima says Pakistan's govt caves in to extremist demands to bar Asia Bibi from leaving|date=4 November 2018|publisher=[[The International News]]|accessdate=4 November 2018}}</ref>
On 7 November 2018, Asia Bibi was released from New Jail for Women in [[Multan]], flown to [[PAF Base Nur Khan]], from whence she then departed the country on a charter plane, to the [[Netherlands]].<ref name="Zulqernain2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/asia-bibi-released-from-jail-to-be-shifted-to-the-netherlands-report/1417421|date=7 November 2018|publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|title=Asia Bibi released from jail, to be shifted to the Netherlands|accessdate=7 November 2018}}</ref> Hafiz Shahbaz Attari of the Islamist political party [[Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan]] (TLP), upon hearing the news, said that TLP members would gather in [[Islamabad]] and [[Rawalpindi]] to try and prevent the departure of Asia Bibi to the Netherlands.<ref name="Zulqernain2018"/>
==Legal challenges==
On 6 September, the [[Lahore High Court]] received a Petition challenging Khan's election as [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]]. The petition argued that 69 members of the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]], the lower house of [[Parliament of Pakistan|Parliament]], abstained from casting their vote in the session held to elect the new Prime Minister, and that therefore Khan had been elected unconstitutionally. The court admitted the petition, issued notices to the respondents and set a date of 1 November to hear the petitioner's case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431318/lhc-moved-to-expedite-hearing-of-petition-challenging-imran-khans-election-as-pm|title=LHC moved to expedite hearing of petition challenging Imran Khan's election as PM|first=Rana|last=Bilal|date=6 September 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref>
==Incidents==
On 22 August 2018, the railway minister [[Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad]] allegedly "manhandled an elderly woman" who was weeping after his guards did not allow her to meet him. He then went on to break the phone of a TV cameraman who was trying to record the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1428586|title=Sheikh Rashid accused of manhandling elderly woman, damaging cameraman's phone|first=Shakeel|last=Qarar|date=22 August 2018|website=dawn.com|accessdate=22 August 2018}}</ref> On 26 August 2018, during his first meeting with Railway officials, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed got upset over the briefing by officials in which the performance of railways under his predecessor [[Khawaja Saad Rafique]] was highlighted, Ahmed admonished the officials for praising the former minister which resulted in one of the officials requesting a long leave who stated that he will not be able to work under an "ill-mannered" and "unqualified" minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/27/railway-minister-sheikh-rasheed-faces-criticism-for-failing-to-understand-responsibilities/|title=Sheikh Rasheed's 'ignorance' led to spat with top railway officials|website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref>
On 27 August 2018, a police officer from [[Pakpattan]] was removed from his duties as District Police Officer and transferred to [[Lahore]] as an [[Officer on Special Duty#Bangladesh and Pakistan|OSD]] over a row with Khawar Maneka, former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife [[Bushra Bibi]]. Allegedly the officer was asked by Chief Minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar to tender an apology to Bibi's former husband whose vehicle was chased by the said officer since he did not stop at the police check post. The officer declined the apology demand saying his department was not at fault. It is also reported that allegedly the first lady played a role in this demotion through the prime minister.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/dpo-sacked-after-he-refused-to-apologise-to-ex-husband-of-imran-khan-s-third-wife-118082700681_1.html|title=DPO sacked after he refused to apologise to ex-husband of Imran Khan's third wife|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=27 August 2018|publisher=|accessdate=27 August 2018|via=Business Standard|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/360290-pakpattan-dpo-transferred-on-khawar-maneka-s-complaint|title=Pakpattan DPO transferred on Khawar Maneka's complaint|date=August 28, 2018|via=The News}}</ref> However, IG Punjab, denied this story and maintained that he was transferred without any political interference, due to his misconduct during this incident and false reporting of this incident to his superiors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429287|title=Punjab IG issues clarification after Pakpattan DPO's transfer stirs controversy|date=August 27, 2018|via=The Dawn}}</ref>
On 28 August 2018, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's leader from [[Karachi]], [[Aamir Liaquat Hussain]] seemed to distance himself from the party saying that he was being treated like an outsider. Taking account of that behaviour he might decide to sit on opposition benches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2018/08/imran-khan-told-me-karachi-wasnt-important-to-pti-aamir-liaquat/|title=Imran Khan told me Karachi wasn't important to PTI: Aamir Liaquat|website=samaa.tv|accessdate=28 August 2018}}</ref>
On 30 August 2018, [[Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan]], Punjab government's minister for information and culture caused controversy by using obscene language against television staff<ref>{{cite news |title=Punjab info minister loses cool during TV interview |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/209154-punjab-info-minister-loses-cool-hurls-abuses-during-interview |accessdate=30 August 2018 |work=Geo News |date=30 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PTI minister's foul language puts Punjab govt in hot waters |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/361641-pti-ministers-foul-language-put-punjab-govt-in-hot-waters |accessdate=30 August 2018 |work=The News |date=30 August 2018 }}</ref> and passing "vulgar and derogatory misogynistic remarks" against actresses of [[Lollywood]].<ref>{{cite news |title=VIDEO: Fayaz ul Hasan Chohan passes obscene remarks in Lollywood-related mixed gathering |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/video-fayaz-ul-hasan-chohan-utters-obscene-remarks-in-lollywood-related-mixed-gathering/ |accessdate=30 August 2018 |work=Daily Pakistan Global |date=30 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Punjab information minister bans 'vulgar' film posters, derides entertainment industry |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1429905/punjab-information-minister-bans-vulgar-film-posters-derides-entertainment-industry |accessdate=30 August 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=30 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/209222|title=Punjab information minister creates another controversy|website=www.geo.tv|date=30 August 2018|accessdate=30 August 2018}}</ref> After it drew a huge storm of criticism Chohan tendered an apology to the actresses, he maintained, that he respects all actresses, the said remark was slip of tongue while answering the question on vulgar content in theatres.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/209237-chohan-tenders-apology-for-remarks-about-female-artistes-news-channels|title=Chohan tenders apology for remarks about female artistes, news channels|website=www.geo.tv|accessdate= 30 Aug 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/454792-Obscene-remarks-Fayaz-ul-Hasan-Chohan-tenders-apology-Nargis-Megha|title=Obscene remarks: Fayaz-ul-Hasan Chohan tenders apology to Nargis, Megha|website=dunyanews.tv|accessdate=30 Aug 2018}}</ref>
On 1 September 2018, Chief Justice [[Saqib Nisar]] ordered one of PTI's lawmakers from Sindh, [[Imran Ali Shah]], to donate Rs. 3 million to a public fund for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam as a fine; Shah had been involved in a controversy days after the elections, when a video of him slapping and physically assaulting a man on the street during a heated argument surfaced online, sparking outrage on social media. Shah later apologised for his actions to the victim personally; his membership of PTI's Sindh chapter was suspended for a month, and he was also ordered by the party to pay Rs. 500,000 in fines as well as bear the costs of medical treatment for 20 patients at an [[Edhi Foundation]] centre. The case was marked closed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/209431-cjp-orders-pti-mpa-imran-ali-shah-to-donate-rs3-million-to-dams-fund|title=CJP orders PTI MPA Imran Ali Shah to donate Rs3 million to dams fund|work=Geo News|date=1 September 2018|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref>
==The role of opposition==
On 8 September, [[Shehbaz Sharif]], leader of the opposing PML-N held his first press conference since the general elections concluded. During the conference, Sharif accused Khan of coming into power through mass rigging and questioned why a parliamentary commission into rigging allegations had not been constituted yet. He also accused the PTI of increasing gas, electricity and fertilizer prices, criticized their progress in power generation projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lamented the government's abolishment of [[Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme]] initiated by [[Nawaz Sharif]], and said Khan should attract investors for constructing the Diamer-Bhasha dam rather than relying only on collecting public funding.<ref name="geo5">{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/210358-pm-imran-came-into-power-through-rigging-not-votes-shehbaz-sharif|title=PM Imran came into power through rigging not votes: Shehbaz Sharif|website=geo.tv|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He also hit out at Khan's pronounced austerity measures, stating the PML-N had adopted such type of measures throughout its own tenure.<ref name="geo5"/>
Ahead of the 2018 by-elections, it was announced that the two main opposition parties, PML-N and PPP, would be arranging seat adjustments with one another and contesting the by-polls together as a united front against the PTI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1824643/1-ppp-pml-n-join-forces-fight-pti/|title = PPP, PML-N join forces to fight PTI|date = 12 October 2018}}</ref> Imran Khan has again vowed not to let the corrupt go, which appears to be on the goal of the main opposition parties (NRO).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/776505-prime-minister-will-never-give-nro-to-plunderers|title = Prime minister will never give NRO to 'plunderers'}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Premiership of Imran Khan]]
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*{{cite web |title=Official website |url=http://pm100days.pmo.gov.pk |publisher=Prime Minister's Office, Islamic Republic of Pakistan}}
{{Imran Khan}}
{{Khan Cabinet}}
[[Category:Imran Khan administration]]
[[Category:First 100 days of Presidencies]]