ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday gave his consent to raise power tariff for electricity which is likely to happen from July 1.
A high-level meeting on the energy crisis was held with Prime Nawaz Sharif in the chair in Islamabad on Friday which decided to immediately start communications with neighbouring states, including India, for energy import.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed the confidence that with dedication‚ better management and facilitation of energy sector companies‚ the energy situation will improve in near future.
It was decided in the meeting that the prime minister would review energy situation on weekly basis.
The sources said that a plan aimed at resolving the circular debt issue was also presented in the meeting, adding that the participants were also briefed on measures to tackle load shedding.
During the meeting, it was decided in principle to take tangible measures both at increasing generation through energy mix and exploring alternate resources. The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft‚ rationalize tariff and minimize line losses.
The meeting was apprised by the energy experts about strategy and implementation of timelines for reduction of load shedding.
It was also informed that new comprehensive energy policy which includes short terms‚ medium term and long term energy plan‚ would be ready by the end of this month as currently consultation is going on with all stakeholders.
The prime minister directed to also take on board the provinces in the consultative process.
It was informed in the meeting that a comprehensive strategy for recovery of dues from the defaulters has also been devised. It was also revealed that a highly professional project management office is being established in the Ministry which includes a policy and an implementation cell. The project management office shall supervise and review the progress on key policy decision and energy implementation plan.
Moreover, the prime minister has also called a high-level meeting to deliberate on matters relating to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The meeting, which is to be held later today, is expected to arrive at important decisions concerning the airline’s administrative and financial matters.
The beleaguered national flag-carrier is notorious among Pakistanis for delays and cancellations and its planes have suffered a number of embarrassing technical problems this year.
It has also been a subject of a case in the Supreme Court over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
DND
