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.

Opinion

Editorial

Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...
Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...