1/ Earlier today, I was invited for a session with the PM along with other journalists including Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami Sb, @Fahdhusain, @IrshadBhatti336, @Chghulamhusain, @ImtiazGul60 and others. Here are my impressions (don’t expect any surprises).

@ImranKhanPTI

2/ The PM seemed undeterred yet concerned, inflexible on certain issues, candid, silent at times and surprising on occasions.

Undeterred yet concerned: Seems undeterred by opposition protests but genuinely concerned about 2nd wave of Corona

3/ Inflexible on accountability: Many suggested the PM to engage with politicians. He says no compromise on accountability and no NRO. His words: “If I have to give NRO, I would rather open the doors of over-crowded prisons and also let the petty criminals go scot-free.

4/ Candid: PM openly excepts his govt failures. 1) The govt should have gone to IMF on day one. 2) They should have brought powers sector and SOE reforms earlier. 3) Frequent postings of IGs and chief secretaries are because of trial and error.

5/ Silent at Times: PM didn’t say anything on Buzdar, when asked.

Surprising: On issues of resignations PM says, if it happens, he’ll conduct fresh elections.

6/ Other soundbites and nuggets:

“No permission for Lahore’s rally on 13th. But we won’t stop them either.”

“A coalition of countries doesn’t want Pakistan to prosper, wants to weaken Iran and widen Iran-Saudi divide”

He's very keen on LG elections & says they'll happen soon

7/ Other soundbites and nuggets:

“Military has backed PTI’s foreign policy initiatives & not the other way round. These initiatives were part of PTI manifesto”

He defended non-elected people (SAPMs) on account of low-performing bureaucracy & says they bring talent on the table

8/ PM says his govt's biggest achievements so far:
1 Mohmand & Basha Dam: focus on long-term priorities as opposed to short-termism
2 Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project & Bundal Island development in Karachi
3 Ehsaas program and Health Cards

/END