ISLAMABAD: Federal cabinet meeting is in progress in Islamabad with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair.
The Federal Cabinet will discuss the country’s gas crisis, economic and political situation besides impact of the 17th extraordinary session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan’s financial woes.
The sources said that the Cabinet members will congratulate the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the successful moot of OIC’s Foreign Ministers. The Cabinet will also discuss Afghanistan’s current situation.
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin, who won the Senate seat from KPK yesterday, will update the cabinet on the current economic situation of the country.
Finance Ministry will be asked to expedite its efforts to extend financial support to Afghanistan without waiting for disbursement of pledges of OIC countries. Tarin would be congratulated on being elected Senator.
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood and Minister for Energy, Hammad Azhar are expected to argue in favour and against supply of RLNG to textile industry at cheaper rates.
The textile industry has accused Energy Minister of misstating facts. The shortage of RLNG will not only have a negative impact on exports but may also deprive exporters of long standing buyers.
The issue of cancellation of another LNG cargo is expected to be discussed during the meeting.
Minister for Science and Technology, Senator Shibli Faraz, will update the Cabinet on the possibility of use of EVMs in Local Government elections and demand of EVMs by the ECP.
The Cabinet is expected to appreciate ECP for holding LGs elections in KP’s 17 districts.
The Cabinet will consider a proposal regarding regularization of contract/ daily wages employees of various Ministries/Division and their attached departments.
Ex-post facto approval of foreign commercial loans and tax exemption on interest payments is also on the agenda of the Cabinet.
