ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet rejected on Wednesday a petroleum ministry summary calling for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to be placed under the ministry, DawnNews reported.

Ogra and the petroleum ministry have constantly been at loggerheads over whether the regulatory authority should fall under its purview or not.

Last week, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain and Ogra Chairman Saeed Ahmad Khan exchanged harsh words during a meeting of a parliamentary committee.

The PM’s adviser had urged parliament to abolish the ‘redundant’ regulator to stave off the country’s bankruptcy while the Ogra chief described it as part of a campaign to punish the regulator for its refusal to condone inefficiency and losses of gas utilities.

The cabinet also offered Fateha for the victims of Saturday’s blast in HazaraTown, Quetta.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, who was chairing the cabinet session, said the country must stand united against terrorism. He added that measures will be taken to ensure the protection of all citizens.

The cabinet also approved the 2013 Hajj policy, according to which 180,000 Pakistanis will perform the pilgrimage this year. Applications are to be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition, the cabinet approved a bill in connection with cracking down on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The bill is to be presented soon in Parliament.