Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira briefs the media. – File Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday said the issues with regards to CNG sector will be resolved soon.

Briefing media representatives on the federal cabinet's meeting, the minister said the cabinet did not take up the CNG issue in the meeting as Advisor to the prime minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain was not present.

However, he added, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), which was an autonomous body, should resolve the CNG price issue as the Supreme Court had directed in this regard.

Kaira said that gas supply was affected in every winter season, thus, such situation happens every year and people had to face difficulties in its wake. However, he added, efforts were under way to resolve the issue.

Replying to a question, the minister said the regulatory authority could not be rolled back altogether, but it could be improved and rectified to deliver more efficiently.

Commenting on allegations of corruption hurled at the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government, he said corruption was a worldwide phenomenon and the developing countries were grappling with the menace, therefore, he added, the same was not restricted to Pakistan only.

The information minister rejected the allegations and impression that only the federal government was responsible for corruption, saying there were so many institutions having their own heads and four provincial governments functioning in the country.

Thus, it would be unjustified to say that corruption takes place due to the federal government only, rather, he added, the prime minister had instructed to constitute a three-member committee to look into the matter.

Replying to another question, the minister said the federal government had effectively managed and restricted its expenditure besides bringing down inflation rate and its performance on economic front was better than provincial governments.

Commenting on reports of rigging in recently held by-polls in Punjab, the minister said an NGO had reported that as many as 95 votes were cast in 60 minutes in a polling booth, which was impossible.

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