KEY POINTS
- 79 out of 250 Pakistani pilgrims evacuated to Beirut from Syria.
- Pakistan cabinet approved settlement agreements with eight independent power plants (IPPs).
- Electricity prices would be reduced.
- Azerbaijan to invest $ 2 billion in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani cabinet was informed that, out of the 250 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Syria, 79 had reached Beirut, from there, arrangements were being made to bring them back to Pakistan.
The Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was held at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the PM office.
The meeting was further briefed that staff of the Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon were taking all possible measures to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis from Syria. Additionally, out of 20 teachers and students in Syria, seven teachers had also reached Beirut.
President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria as an alliance of opposition groups swept into the capital Damascus, ending five decades of rule by his family on Sunday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday while chairing a meeting on the evacuation of Pakistanis given the current developments in Syria directed the authorities to devise an action plan to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of Pakistani nationals wishing to return from Syria through neighbouring countries.
The PM had also spoken with Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati to coordinate the return of Pakistanis from Syria via Beirut.
The Cabinet while discussing domestic issues approved settlement agreements with eight independent power plants (IPPs) running on bagasse. The meeting granted the approval on the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy and the Power Division.
These power plants included DW Unit I, Unit II, RYK Mills, Chiniot Power, Hamza Sugar, Al-Moez Industries, Thal Industries and Chinar Industries.
After the approval of these agreements, the Central Power Purchasing Agency would contact the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regarding a reduction in the power tariffs produced by these power plants.
As a result of these agreements, electricity prices for the general public would come down and the national exchequer would benefit by Rs 238 billion, said the PM Office.
Prime Minister addressing the meeting said the government was taking all possible steps to reduce electricity prices for the common man.
He emphasised that national interests should always be prioritised in every decision and action and also mentioned that the promotion of the private sector and industries in the country was a key priority for the government.
The Prime Minister told the cabinet that Azerbaijan will invest $ 2 billion in Pakistan. He mentioned that the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, during a meeting with him yesterday, emphasised that the projects should be identified and feasibility studies prepared so that the agreements can proceed.
