Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced that the prices of petrol and diesel would be reduced by Rs10 per litre and electricity tariff would be decreased by Rs5 per unit.

The premier made the announcement during his televised address to the nation on Monday, in which talked about the global situation amid Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (Peca) Ordinance, various incentives and programmes for sutdents and farmers, as well as the country's foreign policy.

The prime minister also announced that these prices will not be revised until the next budget and the impact of global petrol hike will not be passed to the consumer for next four months.

PECA Ordinance

Talking about the PECA ordinance, PM Imran said it was necessary to counter filth that floods social media in Pakistan, as the content is against the country's values.

The premier said that 70 per cent of the news on media was against the PTI-led government, adding that the fake news was major problem for the society.

He said that a leader who had never violated law would never afraid of independent media and Peca ordinance "is nothing to do with freedom of expressions."

The prime minister said that at least 94,000 cases of child pornography and obscene content were pending with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and only 38 of those cases had been settled. Such content on social media platforms were destroying the families not only in Pakistan but across the globe, he added.

Foreign Policy

Speaking regarding Pakistan's foreign policy, he said that Pakistan in the past had made wrong foreign policy choices by joining the US war on terror.

"We made a mistake and the country was fighting in support of a country that was bombing it," he said.

He said that there were only 10 drone attacks during the government of former military ruler Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf but more than 400 drone attacks were conducted during the rule of democratic leaders such as Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari.

"A nation drafts a foreign policy that benefits the country," he added.

He said his recent visits to China and Russia would have far reaching impact on country's economy.

The Prime Minister said "we are going to import two million tons of wheat and gas from Russia, while we have better understanding on the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor."

Imran Khan said he believed in an independent policy in the best interest of the people of Pakistan.

Incentives for IT sector

The premier said the country's startups and the IT sector have also been incentivised through various tax measures.

The Prime Minister said all IT companies and freelancers will be entitled to zero tax regime. He also announced to withdraw capital gain tax on IT startups.

Other measures

The premier said that the government will introduce a new policy for industrial sectors.

He said no question would be asked for industrial investment.

"We aimed at revival of sick units through tax benefits and there will be a five-year tax holiday on joint ventures to attract overseas investment."

Talking about government's Sehat Sahulat programme, Imran Khan said entire families of Punjab will get health cards by the end of the next month. He said the limit of Ehsas Cash Programme has been increased from 12,000 rupees to 14,000 rupees.

The Prime Minister said interest free loans will be provided under Kamyab Pakistan Programme. He said farmers will also be entitled to get loan under this programme. He said an amount of 407 billion rupees has been allocated for this purpose.