Cabinet gives go-ahead to National Tariff policy

Proposals on renewable energy to be put before CII

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the National Tariff Policy, which was finalised keeping in view the agenda of increasing exports.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the cabinet meeting.

On a PM’s proposal, the cabinet also accorded in-principle approval for extending relief to over 65-year old prisoners, adolescents and children involved in petty crimes, besides sick inmates whose treatment could not be ensured in jails.

Briefing media about the cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the data of such prisoners was being collected from the provinces.

She said the cabinet was informed that the committee on jail reforms would present its report in the next meeting.

The cabinet, she said, also gave in-principle approval to the renewable energy policy after a detailed briefing by the minister for energy. The policy would encourage foreign investment and jobs creation in the country.

As the provinces, she said, earlier had a role in the tariff determination for the renewal of energy, the new policy would be put before the Council of Common Interests (CII) for its approval.

Dr Firdous mentioned the cabinet congratulated Nadeem Babar for presenting a comprehensive renewable energy policy.

It was told that during the past 12 months, Rs229 billion had been collected as power dues, for which the cabinet appreciated Minister for Energy Umar Ayub's efforts.

Cabinet likely to approve national tariff policy

The cabinet ratified the decisions of Economic Coordination Committee, she said, adding it also approved the decisions taken by the Joint Coordination Committee of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The SAPM remarked that the government was focused on enhancing exports with promotion of 'ease of doing business'.The special assistant observed that the cabinet was given briefing on 134 vacant posts of chief executive officers, managing directors and chairmen in 27 ministries.

The cabinet approved appointment of Raza Abbas Shah as Engineering Board CEO, Rizwan Bhatti Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation CEO and Khawar Jamil as Mohtasib Federal Insurance.

Congratulating the government's economic team, PM Imran said for the first time the current account deficit had decreased in the country due to the measures taken by them and the improvement of economic indicators had restored the confidence of local and foreign investors.

Dr Firdous said the prime minister had directed all the ministries and departments to accelerate efforts for the implementation of government's people-friendly policies.

The premier also directed that each ministry should assess its performance on monthly basis regarding providing relief to the people.