Centre will take all possible steps to resolve Karachiites’ problems: PM

The premier seeks detailed review report from NDMA on the condition of storm drains in port city

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the federal government would not leave the people of Karachi alone in this difficult situation, assuring that the government would take all possible steps to resolve the problems facing the Karachiites.

During the meeting, also attended by Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Governor Ismail apprised the prime minister of the situation after the recent rains in Karachi.

Imran Khan sought to submit a detailed review report from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on the condition of storm drains in Karachi.

'Development of backward areas priority'

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Imran Khan also chaired a review meeting on issues related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in the energy sector and the progress made in the development process in the integrated areas.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Asad Umar, Energy Omar Ayub Khan, the governor and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa besides the federal and provincial officials of the departments concerned.

Issues related to implementation of wheeling regime in the energy sector, K-P’s representation on the boards of relevant agencies, payment of net hydel profits, proposed amendment to the Power Generation Policy and implementation of the Chashma Right Bank Canal project were considered.

Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said that development of integrated areas was one of the top priorities of the government. He added that timely release of funds allocated for the establishment of infrastructure in the integrated areas would be ensured.

Regarding the implementation of the whaling regime and its benefits to the industrial sector, the prime minister directed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to resolve all issues related to the implementation of the wheeling regime as soon as possible in consultation with the stakeholders.

He also directed for ensuring the K-P’s representation on the boards of directors of energy-related institutions. About the net hydel profits payments, Imran directed the energy and finance ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the provincial government to work out the procedures.

Referring to the proposed amendment to the Power Generation Policy, 2015, the prime minister directed that the matter should be considered in the Cabinet Committee on Energy.

About the Chashma Right Bank Canal project, Imran directed that the feasibility of this important project for the socio-economic development of the province, especially the agricultural sector, should be completed in six months so that the progress on the project could be achieved.

Separately, He was talking to members of the National Assembly belonging to the southern Punjab, Imran said that the government was taking steps to empower the people of southern Punjab so that their problems were resolved at their doorsteps.

The prime minister directed for constituting a committee, headed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, which would meet the Punjab chief minister and discuss the issues related to administrative affairs of the province.