ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged other provincial governments to follow footsteps of Punjab government and announce power relief packages in their respective provinces.

Addressing Cabinet meeting, he said that recent package announced by Punjab government for electricity consumers, using electricity between 200 to 500 units, is from provincial budget and there is no contribution by federal government to it. “Punjab government allocated Rs 45 billion for relief package for electricity consumers using up to 500 units monthly,” he said and added that federal government has no contribution to package. He said that other provincial governments should also come forward and announce relief for people just like Punjab government. He said provincial governments are being provided funds through National Finance Commission for development projects.

He said that sufficient resources are available with provincial governments for development works. He asked those who are criticising Punjab government’s package not to ‘politicise’ relief efforts. He said that government in consultation with provincial governments is working on comprehensive plan for reforms in different sectors of economy. He said that power sector, agriculture, digitalisation of FBR, commerce and trade are key focuses of plan.