Day: June 20, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says privatization and outsourcing of electricity distribution companies is among top priorities of the government. He was talking to a delegation of foreign energy experts, headed by former Prime Minister of Georgia Nika Gilauri, which called on him in Islamabad today. They held detailed discussions on reforms in power sector of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said circular debts, line losses and power theft are currently major problems in Pakistan's energy sector. He said the government is working on policies to reduce revolving credit and improve the electricity bill collection system. The Prime Minister said we want to benefit from Georgia's successful experience in power sector privatization and outsourcing. He said the government will discourage expensive power generation sources and is keen to promote alternative energy, especially the solar energy sector. The Prime Minister said public-private partnership will be promoted in the energy sector . He also apprised the delegation that reforms are being introduced regarding reduction in per unit rate of electricity. Source: Radio Pakistan

Ministry of Planning and Development has established National Economic Transformation Unit for driving comprehensive economic reform and sustainable development across Pakistan. According to the press release issued by the Ministry this pioneering initiative is aligning with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision of a prosperous and resilient nation. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal in a statement said establishment of the National Economic Transformation Unit is a significant step towards reviving and transforming the role of the Ministry of Planning and Development as a development think tank and realizing our vision of a prosperous and resilient Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says a high level delegation of China is arriving in Islamabad today to participate in third meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism being held tomorrow (Friday). Addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, he said the visit of the Chinese delegation to Pakistan is a proof of trust between the two countries. The Minister urged all political parties to welcome the delegation and manifest the exemplary bond between the two countries. Talking about the Prime Minister's recent visit to China, the Minister said Pak-China friendship and progress on CPEC projects were discussed during meetings. Terming Pak-China friendship beyond politics, he said China's commitment during Prime Minister's visit to upgrade CPEC is a welcoming step. Appreciating the efforts of all departments concerned of Punjab and Federal Capital for cleanliness drive during Eid days, Attaullah Tarar said all elected representatives including the Punjab Chief Mi nister remained active for arrangements of this cleanliness. He said all the government institutions performed their duties with due diligence during this drive. The Minister said no talks can be initiated with the perpetrators of May 9 incident as they compromised the national interests. He said members of a specific party also ran a campaign against Pakistan-China friendship during Eid. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly and Senate will resume sessions today at the Parliament House in Islamabad. The senate will consider a motion to make recommendations to the National Assembly on the Finance Bill 2024. The National Assembly will start general debate on the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly today started the general discussion on Federal Budget for next fiscal year. Initiating the discussion, Opposition Leader in the Lower House Omar Ayub Khan urged the government to focus on strengthening the economy and creating job opportunities for the people. He called for relief measures to address the impact of inflation on the populace. Highlighting the importance of peace and tranquility, the Opposition Leader said the dream to bring investment to the country will remain elusive without upholding rule of law. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said power load-shedding is being carried out on feeders where massive electricity theft is taking place. Responding to points raised by the opposition leader, he said this load-shedding is not restricted to a particular area. He questioned how an uninterrupted power supply is possible on feeders, reporting eighty percent electricity theft. Commenting on the performance of the PTI Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Minister said they have added over 900 billion rupees to the province's debt. Khawaja Asif said it was the PTI people, who desecrated martyrs' memorials and attacked military installations in the country. Regarding inflation, he said the current government inherited a dilapidated economy and we are determined to turnaround it and provide relief to the people. Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Aslam Ghumman said strict action should be taken against those responsible for import of wheat. He said youth should be equipped with necessary skills to meet market demand. He said agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy and the country cannot progress without promoting this sector. Those who spoke on the occasion included Rai Hasan Nawaz, Mubeen Arif and Naseem Ali Shah. The House was adjourned to meet again tomorrow (Friday) at 11 in the morning. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari will arrive in Gwadar today on a day-long visit. The President will preside over a meeting there on the law and order and security situation in Balochistan. On the occasion, he will be briefed on the overall security situation of the province. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti will attend the meeting. Source: Radio Pakistan