|
|
|
| 20 May 2004 | Thursday | 29 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425 |
Power rate reduction approved by cabinet: Budget on June 5
ISLAMABAD, May 19: The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved in principle a cut in electricity tariff but left it to the ministries concerned to determine the quantum of reduction after mutual consultations.
An announcement about the reduction will be on June 5 along with the annual budget. Talking to newsmen after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the cabinet would meet again on June 2 to discuss a presentation made by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
A special meeting of the cabinet will be held on June 5 to approve the budget before its presentation in the National Assembly. He said Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali had directed the finance minister to meet representatives of various sections of society to seek their opinion and assess their expectations for framing a people-friendly but, at the same time, investment-oriented budget.
According to an official handout, the prime minister reaffirmed the commitment of his government to provide maximum possible relief to people, particularly to the lower-income groups.
Reviewing the CDA presentation, Mr Jamali expressed serious concern over continued encroachment of state land and unauthorized construction of houses and shops which were posing a serious hazard to environment and creating traffic and security problems.
He blamed the past regimes and administrations responsible for the massive violation of zoning laws in the capital, and directed that at least 500 metres on either side of the Islamabad highway be kept clear of any construction.
The prime minister ordered early completion of the Islamabad highway 'dualisation' project, between the airport roundabout and Rewat crossing, and the under-construction bridge. He also asked the CDA to submit proposals for settlement and resettlement of residents of katchi abadis in and around Islamabad with provision of basic amenities.
The cabinet approved amendments to the Decorations Act, 1975, to provide for institution of a new 'Order of Madar-i-Millat,' in the schedule of civil awards for outstanding service in the fields of health, education, social welfare, women uplift and the strengthening of democratic institutions or democracy. The Order of Madar-i-Millat shall be in the category of Nishan, Hilal, Sitara and Tamgha.
The cabinet approved a draft bill to provide for the protection of coastal regime and eco-system and safe navigation of vessels by maintaining navigable paths in water ways, harbours, approaches, channels, beaches, creeks and canals along the entire coast of Pakistan. The bill also seeks to regulate dredging and land reclamation along the coast, including offshore islands and navigable rivers.
|
|
|
|