ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali said that government’s plan to provide relief to electricity consumers had already been sent to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approval and they are expecting response in “Day or two”.

“Plan to provide relief on electricity bills has been sent to IMF. IMF will give response on relief plan in day or two,” Ali said in press conference after Special Investment Facilitation Council’s Apex Committee meeting.

Addressing presser along with Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz he said that they spoke about electricity bills and gas availability in country during apex committee meeting. He said that they discussed possibility of transferring electricity distribution companies or DISCOs to provinces and making their boards “Non-political”.

Caretaker Minister added that country lacks natural gas and there would be need for LNG terminals in coming days. “There is gas shortage in winter and LNG plants will be needed to support industries,” Ali said, adding that industries should not be closed due to lack of gas in winter.

“Power Ministry has started working on all these plans,” he said. He added that they would have to review gas prices.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 09 2023

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