ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (r) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has ordered authorities to redress the power issues of Balochistan. Khoso Tuesday took notice of reports in the media about complaints made by people of Balochistan regarding frequent power outages.
He instructed the Ministry of Water and Power secretary and WAPDA chairman to visit Balochistan and take all necessary steps to mitigate their grievances. The directions were given by the caretaker prime minister during a presentation given to him by the Ministry of Water and Power on the present energy situation in the country, at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Khoso was briefed about the entire power chain, including generation and distribution as well as the steps taken by the ministry to minimise load-shedding in the country. A detailed briefing was given by the Ministry of Water and Power on the present generation, demand and recovery position. Khoso also directed WAPDA authorities to send correct bills to consumers.
He was also given a comprehensive briefing on the state of country’s economy. During the briefing, the caretaker prime minister was apprised of the challenges being faced by the economy. Khoso was briefed about the current economic situation, including balance of trade, budgetary position and the role of remittances in the economy, a press release said. Prime Minister Khoso said,”Pakistan is an agricultural country and we should focus on this sector which has the potential to lift its overall economy.” He also directed the Ministry of Finance to streamline the banking system, which would help in checking hundi and increase remittances from the Pakistani diaspora. The briefing was made by Finance Secretary Abdul Khaliq and was attended by senior officials of the PM Secretariat and Ministry of Finance.
Separately, Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood on Tuesday called on caretaker Prime Minister Khoso at the PM House and congratulated him on assumption of the office. The governor apprised the caretaker prime minister about various matters relating to Punjab. Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood remained with the prime minister for some time and exchanged views with him on various issues.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on Khoso at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday and congratulated him on assumption of the office of prime minister. The army chief also briefed the caretaker prime minister on security matters, says a press release issued by the PM House. agencies – Dailytimes
