LAHORE, Jan 21: Federal Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Tuesday said the government was keen on providing relief to electricity consumers and developing long-term policies in this regard.

Speaking at the Meet-the-Press programme of the Lahore Press Club, he said the government was considering to reschedule payments to independent power producers (IPPs). “If the plan works, consumers may get some immediate relief in electricity tariff.”

Answering a question about further immediate relief for the power consumers, he said there was no such plan in the pipeline. However, the government would closely watch any variation allowed by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) under the quarterly fuel adjustment mechanism.

He also feared increase in oil price if the US attacked Iraq, and possible temporary increase in power tariff.

About the issue of Kalabagh dam, he said no controversial dam would be constructed in the country. The government, however, had raised the issue on all forums, including the National Assembly, and a decision would be taken in the supreme national interest.

Answering a question about the return of army from Wapda, he said, at present, there were only 40 army officers working in the organization and they would be sent back, when required.

About the return of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, he said there was no restriction on their return if they were ready to face cases pending against them.

He denied having knowledge of any cases against the newly-nominated Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad.

Answering another question, he said that the LFO was now a part of the Constitution but it was a subjudice matter.

Regarding corruption cases against him, he clarified that there was no corruption case pending against him.

He also disclosed that he would soon be going to Afghanistan at the head of a delegation to discuss the issue of return of Pakistani prisoners from Afghanistan.