CAPTAIN IMRAN KHAN MARKS HIS RUN-UP

PAKISTAN'S just elected Prime Minister Captain Imran Khan, in his first address to the nation a day after assuming his office, vowed-

To transform Pakistan into a true ''Islamic welfare state'', with the focus of his government on overcoming foreign debt, austerity, reforms in the entire revenue system and other institutions-

Eradication of corruption, retrieving the money stashed abroad and creation of jobs.

The prime minister in his 70-minutes maiden recorded address to the nation, pledged to bring about  ''significant change'' in people's lives through economic reforms including investment incentives and improvements in tax system.

Clad in a simple dress, the Captain outlined his government's agenda that included plans to bring reforms in civil services, police, courts and in health and education sectors.

However, he stressed, the biggest menace was that the country was dealing with Rupees 28,000  billion foreign debt, which could be retired only through-

Revolutionary steps including cutting down expenditures, better tax system and bridging trade deficit gap.

''The country's total foreign debt was Rs 6,000 billion some 10 years ago.

By 2013 it had increased to Rs 15,000 billion whereas now in 2018 it has surged to Rs 28,000  billion,'' he said.

Imran Khan vowed that he would set up a task force to bring back billions of dollars laundered in offshore banks and would extend support to the National Accountability Bureau in this regard.

He  announced that his government would legislate to reward whistleblowers who would highlight corruption in government departments.