ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that a development and security package worth Rs160 billion has been finalised for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with peace and stability in the province remaining a top priority for the federal government.
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorism from the province through coordinated efforts involving the armed forces, the provincial government and the federal administration.
He stressed that cooperation among all relevant institutions was essential to restoring lasting peace and strengthening security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Discussing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, Shehbaz said a Pakistani delegation had visited Tehran twice during the previous two to three weeks. He said the discussions focused on reducing tensions as well as strengthening regional cooperation.
The prime minister also addressed the impact of regional instability on domestic fuel prices. He said the government had prevented an additional burden of Rs15 per litre on petrol from being passed on to consumers by engaging with refineries and asking them to share their windfall profits.
He appreciated the Petroleum Ministry for its role in managing the situation and providing relief to consumers.
Shehbaz further said the government’s fuel subsidy programme was being implemented transparently and had benefited around 15 million people. He added that approximately Rs28 billion had been spent under the initiative, which would continue at least until the end of next month.
On the energy front, the prime minister claimed that the influence of the LPG mafia had been brought to an end through the introduction of a more transparent system for fuel supply and distribution.
He acknowledged the challenges facing international shipping routes but assured that the government would make every effort to maintain uninterrupted supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other energy resources during the winter season.
He also stressed the need to minimise the impact of rising international energy prices on domestic consumers and ensure the availability of essential fuels despite growing regional and global challenges.
PM Shehbaz, Bilawal discuss situation in KP, legislation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in the honour of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and members of his delegation on Tuesday night, it was reported on Wednesday.
According to sources, both the prime minister and the PPP chairman had a detailed exchange of views over the law and order situation and the issues related to governance in KP, legislation, and the federal government’s future course of action.
Sources further informed that Bilawal also raised with PM Shehbaz the issue of giving more say to KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in the affairs of the province.
The country’s overall political situation and relations between the government and the opposition also came under discussion at the meeting.
Sources explained that proposed constitutional amendments to be tabled in parliament in coming days were also discussed.
PPP chairman, they said, demanded that the party members of the parliament (MPs) be taken on board and provided drafts of the bills prior to their approval.
Sources disclosed that Bilawal also acquainted the prime minister with PPP reservations over the bills under consideration.
The prime minister assured the PPP chairman that the party’s concerns would be addressed and that it would be taken into confidence.
Similarly, both also discussed the constitution of a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms and the selection of its head.
