ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directed on Wednesday to ensure the payment of all outstanding arrears related to net hydel profits to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, saying the equitable distribution of resources among provinces as a responsibility of the Federal Government.
The premier chaired a meeting to review reforms in the power sector and welfare initiatives for the families of Shuhada (martyrs who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism). The meeting was attended by Caretaker KP Chief Minister Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah, Caretaker Provincial Minister for Tribal Affairs Dr Aamir Abdullah, WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (retd) Sajjad Ghani, and other senior officials.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of income payments to the provincial government from hydel projects. He directed WAPDA to remove any hurdles and ensure priority payments. He also urged the swift resolution of outstanding issues between the provincial government and the Central Power Purchasing Agency, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all provinces, including KP.
During the meeting, the caretaker Prime Minister was informed about ongoing efforts to combat power theft in the province. He commended the efforts of the provincial government, power distribution companies, WAPDA, and other participating departments in the anti-theft drive.
The meeting also discussed progress on ongoing hydel projects and water reservoir construction, particularly in KP. The caretaker Prime Minister emphasized the efficient utilization of Pakistan’s abundant water resources and called for the expedited completion of water projects for better irrigation, environmentally friendly practices, and cost-effective measures.
The caretaker Prime Minister was briefed on the law and order situation in the province. He directed the immediate release of allocated anti-terrorism funds to the province, urging the timely disbursement of the Shuhada Welfare Fund to the families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country.
He stressed that any delay in the payment of allocated funds for the welfare of Shuhada’s families would not be tolerated.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired a meeting on Power Sector Reforms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and welfare of families of martyrs of war on terror, held in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/6RyvUXR9bZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 22, 2023
