-Says previous governments entered into irrational
agreements with IPPs
-Circular debt making it impossible to extend relief in electricity tarrif
-Evinces heartfelt wish for peace in Afghanistan
Bureau Report
PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday expressed his “heartfelt wish” for lasting peace in Afghanistan, saying that stability in the neighbouring country would not only bring relief for the Afghani people but also for the residents of Pakistan’s tribal areas.
Addressing a rally in Mohmand, where he distributed Kifalat Cards among lower-income people, the prime minister assured that he will make all efforts to open the Afghan border so that trade can flourish in the tribal areas. He acknowledged that the opening of the border would also lead to job creation.
“Afghan people have been under extreme difficulties for the past 40 years. One war ends and another starts. The Americans came after the Russians left and then there was infighting.
“I hope that this peace accord succeeds as it will benefit the Afghan people as well as residents of our tribal areas,” he said.
Prime Minister Imran also announced the government’s plans for the development of tribal areas, which included planting olive gardens and building an industrial estate.
The premier said that the country has to spend billions of rupees to import edible oils. He pointed out that olives were abundant in the tribal areas and the government planned to plant olive gardens so that edible oils can be extracted locally and import expenditure could be reduced.
He also promised to provide scholarships and loans for startup businesses to deserving people, under the Ehsaas welfare programme.
The prime minister also instructed Minister of Communications Murad Saeed to ensure that the tribal areas gain access to 3G and 4G network.
The premier noted that the tribal belt was rich in
marble and announced the government’s intention to build an industrial estate where marble-related industries would be established.
He also shone a light on the grave problem of high circular debt, which he said had increased because past governments had signed contracts with power firms that supplied electricity on expensive rates. In order to avoid inflation, the prime minister said, the government supplied power to masses on lower rates which led to increased circular debt. He said that his government had to increase electricity charges in order to overcome the debt and acknowledged that the move had caused industries to slow down.
He then vowed that the government will not increase electricity prices from now on and will instead find a way to talk to owners of the firms which supplied power.
While making big announcement, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday vowed that the prices of electricity and gas will not be increased at any cost.
Addressing a rally after inauguration of Ehsas Kafalat Programme at Ghalanai in district Mohmand, Imran Khan assured to take all possible steps to further reduce the prices for the relief of general masses.
He said that no burden will be put on the people and industrial sector.
The PM said that the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is introducing Sehat Insaf Program in the tribal areas under which, the youth will be providing loans for businesses. He also pledged to establish industrial estate in Mohmand district. He said that Olive gardens will be established in Mohmand district to get best quality olive oil.
“The former 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 gathering.
He said that the government will halt the production of those power distribution companies found involved in making electricity costly.
“Government is working to provide relief to poor segments of the society on the pattern on Riyasat-e-Madina. The government was making all out efforts to provide relief to the deserving people under Ehsas Kafalat Programme,” added PM Imran Khan.
Imran Khan said provision of jobs to the tribal youth and development of the tribal areas is among the top priorities of the present government. The premier also tasked Communication Minister Murad Saeed to bring the 3G and 4G services to tribal areas. He also prayed for the success of the US-Afghan Taliban agreement and restoration of peace in Afghanistan as it will impact over tribal people.
Talking about the Afghanistan issue, the PM said that Pakistan really wants peace in the region. I pray for the success of an agreement between United States (US) and Taliban for long-term stability in Afghanistan, he added.Earlier, PM Imran inaugurated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U-21 games at Qayyum Sports Complex Peshawar. While addressing the event, he said that if he was not a player than he would have resigned after a year and a half of assuming the charge of prime ministership.
He said that Pakistan will also emerge as a strong nation and the youth have an important role in this regard.
