NA informed about steps for reducing electricity prices

The National Assembly was informed on Friday that the government has taken a number of initiatives to reduce the burden of electricity prices on consumers.

Parliamentary Secretary for Power Division Aamir, Talal Khan told the House during the Question Hour that the initiatives include negotiations with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He mentioned the termination of contracts with five IPPs, emphasizing that the process with other IPPs is continuing.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice in the House, Minister for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik said a tender has been floated for an additional LNG cargo in January, considering the high demand for gas next month.

However, he mentioned that the LNG, currently being purchased under the term contract, is in surplus in the country.

The Minister said five LNG cargoes from Qatar, which were to be procured this year, will now be purchased next year. Additionally, he said that negotiations are underway with a company for the deferment of five LNG cargoes next year.

Senior Citizen Act rules to be finalised soon

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Saba Sadiq, said the provision of the best facilities to the senior citizens was the priority of the government and a comprehensive policy would be introduced soon.

Replying to a supplementary question of the PPP member Agha Syed Rafiullah during the Question Hour, she informed the National Assembly that the rules for the implementation of the Senior Citizens Act were being finalized, and would be presented for approval in the next meeting of the federal cabinet.

Saba added that a Council had also been formed which would present its recommendation to the federal cabinet meeting in the next week.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah suspended the House’s proceedings due to the absence of ministers during the question hour.

The Deputy Speaker expressed his displeasure over the matter and said that he had written a letter to the Prime Minister, conveying the House’s displeasure regarding the ministers’ non-attendance.

“The letter has been delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office, expressing the House’s displeasure at the ministers’ absence during proceedings. We will not allow the House to function in this manner,” the Deputy Speaker said.

Announcing a short break, he added, “We will take a 10-minute recess. If the ministers do not attend the session, we will adjourn the proceedings of the House.”

The National Assembly also offered fateha for the departed soul of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member Shehryar Afridi’s sister.

Ali Muhammad Khan led the prayer after the beginning of the session, following the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat, at the request of Deputy Speaker.

The House will now meet again on Monday at 5:00 pm.