ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday rejected the recommendation of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for an upward revision of the power tariff and decided to maintain the existing one.
The cabinet took this decision while discussing rationalisation of power tariff in its meeting held here at the PM Office with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in chair.
The meeting ratified decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) in its meeting held on February 1. Decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on February 7 were also ratified.
The report of the committee constituted for naming of the new Islamabad international airport was also presented during the meeting. It was decided that the members may consider recommendations made in the said report for reaching a consensus on the name during the next meeting.
Re-constitution of the board of directors of Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and ex-officio members in case of Utility Stores Corporations (USC) were also approved.
The cabinet also approved the appointment of Karachi Port Trust general manager (engineering).
Proposal for grant of additional charge of the post of chairman Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) was also approved.
The meeting approved the appointment of executive members of PEMRA, and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) rules were also approved.
Discussing the issue of land lease between Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and National Industrial Parks Development and Management Company (NIP), the cabinet reiterated its resolve to promote foreign investment in the country which would help in the growth of economy and creation of job opportunities.
It was decided to constitute a committee, headed by minister for privatisation, to look into the matter and present its recommendations during the next meeting.
The federal cabinet also discussed in detail the issue of repatriation of Afghan refugees and considered various recommendations for addressing this issue.
Noting that the cabinet had twice granted extension in the validity of Proof of Residence (POR) card, it was decided that the government would extend all possible facilitation towards voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees holding the POR cards.
It was emphasised that the international community should also fulfill its obligations towards shouldering this responsibility to ensure smooth repatriation and rehabilitation of the refugees.
