ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday directed the ministry of finance to immediately release Rs6 billion to the ministry of water and power for payment to electricity generation companies so that power production in the country could be enhanced.

He also asked the ministry of petroleum and natural resources to take steps for provision of more natural gas to power plants so that more electricity could be produced and loadshedding controlled.

The prime minister gave these directions while presiding over a meeting attended by Water and Power Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and deputy chairman of Planning Commission Dr Nadeemul Haq.

Emphasising the need for coordination for early resolution of issues, the prime minister asked the energy committee of the cabinet to hold its meetings on a daily basis to solve the problems hindering the implementation of various government decisions.

He also directed for holding of the energy conference on April 9, consult various stakeholders and evolve a national policy to deal with the energy problem faced by the country.

The prime minister directed the water and power minister to hold a meeting with defaulting provincial governments and the private sector for recovery of outstanding dues which will boost the revenue source and reduce the circular debt.

He directed the minister to hold a meeting with the business community and other stakeholders to take them onboard about the government policies and seek their views.

The prime minister said the energy issue was the top priority of the government and in this regard every step would be taken.

He said the shortage of energy was the main hindrance in the way of foreign investment in the country.

The meeting was briefed by the water and power minister about the current energy shortfall and the steps taken so far to rationalise loadshedding.

He informed the meeting that hydel production had suffered because of water inflow had not been to the expected mark owing to the long winter spell.

He said that the water inflow was expected to rise in April resulting in the increased hydel production which in turn would lead to reduction in loadshedding hours.

The minister apprised the meeting that a large number of foreign investors from different countries have shown interest in various sectors in Pakistan.

He put forth different suggestions to improve the supply of gas to the power plants for increased power generation.

He apprised the prime minister about different long, medium-and short-term measures which the energy committee has so far discussed.—PPI