PM Abbasi apprises federal cabinet over US visit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday chaired the meeting of the federal cabinet to apprise over his recent visit to United States and his address at the United Nations General Assembly. 

PM Abbasi forcefully presented Pakistan’s point of view on critical issues including the long-standing issue of Jammu and Kashmir, gross human rights violations at Indian Occupied Kashmir, belligerent attitude of India, peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, and the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

The prime minister also briefed about his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of UNGA, particularly with the US Vice President Mike Pence, Presidents of Iran and Turkey, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, CEO of World Bank, Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum, UN Secretary General and King of Jordan.

PM Abbasi had emphasised that Pakistan wants a continued engagement with regional as well as international powers based on mutual respect, equality and partnership. He underscored the need for the international community to appreciate and acknowledge Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions for regional peace and stability.

Load-shedding to be reduced by November

Secretary Power Division gave a detailed presentation on the current and future demand and supply situation of the power sector. The cabinet was informed that 6,100MW was already added to the system by June 2017, while more than 11,500MW electricity would be added by June 2018.

The cabinet was further informed that load-shedding would be reduced to a negligible level by November. Improvements in transmission and distribution system were also presented, while the cabinet discussed various issues related to the power sector and appreciated the efforts made by the Ministry of Energy.

Saindak copper project lease extended

The federal cabinet extended the lease contract of Saindak Copper Gold project between Saindak Metals Limited and Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd. (MCC) expiring on October 31 by five years.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority was issued policy directive to enable market testing of 5G technology within the regulatory environment and ensure that the new technology is ready on the market.

The appointment of Mr. Rizwan Mir was approved as the Chief Executive OfficerUniversal Service Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Acting on the recommendation of Defence Ministry, Air Commodore Shams-ul-Haq was appointed as member commercial and Air Commodore Aamir Habibullah Makeen as member technical of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.

It also approved of the appointment of district and session judge, Raja Pervaiz Akhter as a Judge of Special Court (control of narcotics substances) Rawalpindi, and Rai Nazir Ahmed as Judge Banking Court-II Lahore.

Special need candidates can participate in all CSS groups

The cabinet approved a proposal by the Finance division that would enable the Auditor General of Pakistan to sign a MoU with the Indonesian counterpart on cooperation in public sector auditing.

To expedite the process of development, the cabinet approved a proposal to amend guidelines regarding implementation of projects under the Prime Minister’s Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achievement Programme authorising the competent authority to approve schemes costing over Rs. 30 million.

The cabinet also ratified decisions of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on August 29 and the committee on energy on September 6.

It approved a proposal allowing persons with special needs (physically impaired, hearing/speech impairment and visually impaired) to compete in the competitive examination against all occupational groups.