Govt is making its best efforts to cut the tariffs of gas and electricity: Pakistani PM Imran

MOHMAND, Mar 10, 2020, TLTP, NNI. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government is working to provide relief to the downtrodden segments of the society on the pattern on Riyasat-e-Madina. Addressing a big public gathering after inaugurating Ehsas Kafalat Programme at Ghalanai, tribal district Mohmand, on Monday, the Prime Minister said the government is making its best efforts to decrease tariffs of gas and electricity, The Financial Daily reported.

“The previous governments had made 20-30 years contracts with power making companies. When PTI came into power there were circular debts in the energy sector due to which we increased electricity prices,” he told the gathering.

He said that the government will halt the production of those power distribution companies found involved in making electricity costly. PM Imran said that the government will not put a burden on masses and industrial sector anymore.

Imran Khan said provision of jobs to the tribal youth and development of tribal areas is top priority of the government. He said olive gardens will be established in Mohmand district to get the best quality olive oil, while clean drinking water will be provided to tribesmen from Mohmand Dam.

He said that the incumbent government is introducing Sehat Insaf Programme in the tribal areas under which, the youth will be provide dloans for businesses. He also pledged to establish industrial estate in Mohmand district.

The Premier also tasked Communication Minister Murad Saeed to bring the 3G and 4G services to tribal areas.

Turning to Indian-occupied Kashmir, the Prime Minister strongly condemned the siege of eight million Kashmiris by the Indian forces for the last seven months. He said the cruel fascist RSS ideology of the Indian government will no more continue and hoped that Kashmiri people will get their right to self-determination soon.

Regarding Afghanistan, Imran Khan prayed for the success of US-Afghan Taliban agreement and restoration of peace in Afghanistan as it affects tribal people as well.

He said tribal areas are full of natural resources which will be utilized for the benefit of tribal people and national development.

The Prime Minister said all the elements involved in plundering the national wealth will be brought to justice at all costs. He pledged to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous country.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan said all promises made with the people during the election campaign will be fulfilled in letter and in spirit.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation, Dr Sania Nishtar also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U-21 games in Peshawar.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U-21 games at Qayyum Sports Complex in Peshawar, the prime minister said that those fear from failure will never achieve anything or become champion.

“Champion is one who never fears failure or criticism, but he learns from his mistakes,” said PM Imran, adding that he fought 22 years in politics just because he played sports which taught him to fight and never tired of losing.

“I would have conceded defeat in politics if had not played sports,” he added.

It must be noted that more than 2,940 players from across the province are participating in 30 different games. Before the inauguration, foolproof security arrangements were made for the security of the Under-21 Games.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Peshawar airport, the Prime Minister was received by KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Governor Shah Farman.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday to discuss country’s political and economic situation.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 11am at the Prime Minister Office to discuss an 11-point agenda.
The meeting will review political and economic situation of the country and the cabinet will be briefed on measures regarding public interests.

The huddle will also consider a situation of inflation and measures related to peace and security in the country.

The cabinet in its meeting would consider the one-time approval to import pesticide from India is also expected to be approved.

The cabinet will give approval for the appointment of Security and Exchange Companies (SECP) chairman while the decision to increase job quota for grade 1-15 employees (Islamabad domiciles) is also a part of the agenda.

The cabinet will also endorse the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday greeted the Hindu community of Pakistan celebrating the Holi festival.

“Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours,” the prime minister tweeted.

Holi, a Hindu religious festival, which is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Phalgun, signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and end of winter.

The festival is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday congratulated Afghan President Dr Muhammad Ashraf Ghani for taking oath of his office and said Pakistan would do everything it could to bring peace and stability in the region.

“I want to congratulate Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani & look forward to working with him. Pakistan will do everything it possibly can to bring peace and stability in our region,” the prime minister said in his twitter message.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday took oath for a second term.

According to Afghan press, international representatives, including US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, and US and NATO forces commander General Scott Miller, attended Ghani’s inauguration at the Presidential palace in the capital, Kabul.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday expressed his deep grief and sadness over the death of Anwaar Husain Haqqi, a journalist from Mianwali.

The prime minister paid tribute to the steadfastness of the late journalist during his long association with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

On his twitter account, the prime minister posted, “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Anwaar Husain Haqqi, journalist from Mianwali, who joined me when most people ridiculed PTI. He stood with me and PTI through thick and thin.”

He also prayed for the departed soul and expressed his condolence with the bereaved family.