PESHAWAR, Nov 2: NWFP Senior Minister Sirajul Haq has asked the Peshawar Electric Supply Corporation (Pesco) to restore power supply to five quake-hit districts of the NWFP on an emergency basis.

He was talking to Pesco Chief Brig Sakhi Marjan here on Wednesday. The situation with regard to power supply and problems faced by Pesco consumers were discussed and necessary decisions taken in the meeting.

The minister lauded steps taken by Wapda to provide electricity to quake-affected areas free of cost for three months and said that it would facilitate the affected people as well as relief workers.

However, he underlined the need for prompt restoration of power transmission to affected areas, particularly in remote villages, so that the people there could get maximum benefit of this concession.

He appreciated round-the-clock efforts of Wapda officials and the chief executive of Pesco who visited the worst hit areas, including Balakot and AJK, many times and supervised restoration of power supply. He expressed confidence that other departments would demonstrate the same spirit and discharge their duties in a befitting manner.

Brig Sakhi Marjan apprised the minister of some schemes being implemented to provide electricity to maximum number of people and steps taken for early completion of these projects. Mr Haq expressed satisfaction over the performance of Pesco and assured them all out help of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, Mr Haq presided over a meeting held to discuss upgradation of schools and colleges at the civil secretariat and asked the officials concerned to expand educational facilities in the province, especially in the quake affected areas, with a missionary zeal.