Federal cabinet rejects the summary to electrocuted masses

Lahore : The federal cabinet on Tuesday rejected the recommendation of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority for upward revision of power tariff and decided to maintain the existing power tariff.

The cabinet took this decision while discussing rationalization of power tariff in its meeting held here at the PM Office with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in chair.

The meeting ratified decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) in its meeting held on 01-02-2018.Decisions taken by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on 07-02-2018 were also ratified.

Report of the committee constituted for naming of new Islamabad International Airport was also presented during the meeting. It was decided that the members may consider recommendations made in said report for reaching a consensus on name during the next meeting.

The Cabinet approved nomination of Director on the Board of Directors of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGL).

Re-constitution of the Board of Directors of Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and ex-officio members in case of Utility Stores Corporations (USC) were also approved.

The Cabinet approved the appointment of General Manager (Engineering) Karachi Port Trust.

Proposal for grant of additional charge of the post of Chairman Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) was also approved.

The meeting also approved appointment of Executive Member of PEMRA. Pakistan Origin Card (POC) Rules were approved.

Discussing the issue of land lease between Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and National Industrial Parks Development and Management Company (NIP), the Cabinet reiterated its resolve to promote foreign investment in the country which would help in the growth of economy and creation of job opportunities in the country.

It was decided to constitute a committee, headed by Minister for Privatization, to look into the matter and present its recommendations during next meeting.

The federal cabinet also discussed in detail the issue of repatriation of Afghan Refugees and considered various recommendations for addressing this issue.

Noting that the Cabinet had twice granted extension in the validity of Proof of Residence (POR) Card, it was decided that the Government would extend all possible facilitation towards voluntary repatriation of Afghan Refugees holding POR cards.

It was emphasized that the international community should also fulfill its obligations towards shouldering this responsibility to ensure smooth repatriation and rehabilitation of the refugees.

Meanwhile ; Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi directed for greater coordination among the concerned departments and for devising a comprehensive plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the consumers during the coming months.

The Prime Minister gave this direction while chairing a meeting here at the PM Office to review electricity demand and generation for the coming months.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Secretaries of the concerned divisions and senior government officials.

A detailed presentation was given to the Prime Minister on expected demand till July 2018 and power generation through various resources.