Federal cabinet rejects Mahar for Sindh IGP slot Seeks more names from province; Decides to recover billions of rupees spent by ex-PMs, CMs.

Islamabad -- The federal cabinet on Tuesday decided against appointing Mushtaq Mahar as the Sindh inspector general of police (IGP) after cabinet members from the province expressed strong reservations over the matter.

According to Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Sindh Governor Imran Ismail to once again discuss names for the new IGP with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Briefing the media about the federal cabinet's meeting, Awan said, 'After consultation between the prime minister and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Mushtaq Mahar's name had been suggested [in the cabinet] for the Sindh IGP position but cabinet members from the province strongly opposed the idea.

'Keeping in mind the majority view, the prime minister has asked the Sindh governor to discuss the matter with the province's chief minister.

'The two will hold discussions on the other names suggested for the IGP position as well as new names so that a consensus can be reached on the matter,' Awan said.

Prime Minister ImranKhan on Tuesday vowed that the mafia, including profiteers and hoarders,

responsible for inflation and price hike in the coun-try would be dealt with an iron hand.

At the outsetof Federal Cabinet's meeting, the prime minister said every possible step would be taken to provide relief to the people, who were fac-ing the brunt of inflation, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan told a press conference here.

Flanked by Federal Minister for Commu-nications and Postal Services Murad Saeed, she said the committee constituted by the prime minister was probing the recent flour shortage and in the light of its findings, strict action would be taken against the elements involved in the crisis irrespective of their political affiliations. The prime minster felt pain for the hard-ships faced by the people during the flour crisis and he would not spare any body behind it, she added.

The SAPM said Imran Khan also directed the Ministry of National Food Security and related organizations to take all measures to ensure smooth supply of edible items to the public.

The cabinet, she said, was briefed on the...