Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa, on Wednesday, said that the government had moved ahead on writing the letter to Swiss authorities, after the Supreme Court repeatedly hinted at addressing the federation’s concerns particularly regarding presidential immunity. He said that the apex court had repeatedly assured the government of considering their apprehensions and remarked that Asif Ali Zardari was their president too. He said that the government had already reopened 7,999 cases closed under the National Reconciliation Ordinance. “Only one case is pending just due to the president’s immunity,” he added.
The governor said that the government had averted confrontation by observing the court’s dignity and decided to withdraw the letter written by the former Attorney General Malik Qayyum, in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision. He clarified that the government had taken this decision after evolving a consensus among coalition parties and that Yousuf Raza Gilani would have expressed his reservations if he had any, regarding the decision. He said that Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf had appraised the court that he had had to face awkward questions while representing the country on various platforms, this prompted the court to realize the loss incurred to the state and the uncertainty among people. Assuring free and transparent elections, he said that the government had appointed an undisputed Chief Election Commissioner and the government would follow suit for the caretaker setup. He advised CDA to ensure completion of all development projects within the stipulated time, as delays incur a huge burden on the national kitty. He also asked bureaucrats to facilitate the execution of development projects, adding that rules are promulgated for facilitation. Commenting on the CDA’s planned power generation plant project, he proposed an integrated energy commission having representation from both central and provincial governments. He also suggested that all industrial units should be strictly bound to produce their own electricity, to run their plants, as it would remarkably reduce burden on the national grid and help reduce power shortage. Latif said that the government had added 3,500 megawatts in the national grid besides suggesting the exploitation of alternate energy potential.
