Cabinet greenlights revised IPP deals

PM sets out plan for repatriation of Pakistanis from Syria

ISLAMABAD:

The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved settlement agreements with eight independent power plants (IPPs) running on bagasse on the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy and the Power Division.

Chairing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the government is taking all possible steps to reduce electricity prices for the common man.

He emphasized that the national interests should always be supreme in every decision and action, and also mentioned that the promotion of the private sector and industries in the country was a key priority for the government.

Regarding the economic situation, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction that inflation had declined further to 3.57% and foreign remittances had increased record high compared to last year.

He told the cabinet members that the Azerbaijan envoy in Islamabad emphasized the finalisation of feasibilities and other formalities for $2 billion investment projects in Pakistan so that the agreements could be inked during the prime minister's visit to Baku in February next year.

Reiterating that both economic and political stability were inter-linked, he referred to the meeting on the law and order situation he chaired and gave clear instructions not to forgive those found involved in conspiracies and attacking the federal capital on November 26 and not to harass the innocent people.

He said the government had finalised a mechanism to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria in coordination with the Lebanese government.

Around 250 Pakistani pilgrims were stranded in Syria where the situation was charged altogether within a few days and Pakistan took a neutral position. Besides, another 300 Pakistani nationals, including teachers and students, living in Syria also expressed their desire to leave the country, the PM asserted.

He said that the foreign ministry was in contact with Pakistan's ambassador in Damascus to ensure the safe return of the Pakistani nationals.

He told the meeting that he held a telephone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, during which the latter expressed his willingness to allow the return of Pakistani nationals through a chartered flight from Beirut Airport.

The federal cabinet approved the appointment of Brigadier Asim Bashir Warraich as Member of Production Control on the Board of Heavy Industries Taxila, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence Production.

The federal cabinet also sanctioned the establishment of National Commission for the Status of Women Fund on the recommendation of the Ministry of Human Rights.

Meanwhile, as many as 350 Pakistani nationals, including 245 Pakistani Zaireen, stranded in Syria have crossed the Syria-Lebanon border. Under the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Embassy of Pakistan, Damascus facilitated the repatriation process. DHM Umar Hayat accompanied the Pakistani nationals to the border. DHM Beirut, Nawab Adil in Lebanon received them in Lebanon.