The meeting, which was also attended by the chief ministers of four provinces, further decided that for an equitable and proper distribution of two & half million tonnes recently imported wheat, Finance Minister would head the committee set up for the purpose. The Cabinet meeting while discussing mechanism of Crop Insurance Scheme took a decision to update Crop Reporting Monitoring Directorate.
Federal Information Minister Sherry Rehman told about these decisions in a press briefing. The Federal Minister further said the government was committed to economic uplift and security of the country. State Bank Governor briefed the Cabinet about economic situation, with particular reference to the impact of the soaring oil prices and international food inflation.
She said that disciplinary measures would have to be taken to bring down inflation in the country. She lamented that currency notes were printed in bulks to meet the deficit by the previous government, which had adverse impact on economy, besides increase in inflation.
Continuing her briefing, Sherry Rehman said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had condemned recent threats given by leadership of Afghanistan and said that Pakistan being a peace loving country, was committed to maintain friendly relations with its neighbours Afghanistan and India.
The Minister told the mediamen gathered at Darbar Hall Governor House to get an update on the cabinet meeting that in order to uplift women segment of the society amendments were to be made in Guardian & Ward Act 1890 and Family Courts Act 1964.
She said that a number of steps to provide respite to womenfolk in the country would keep pouring in during the tenure of this government. She said Cabinet meeting further resolved to take steps for disabled children in its deliberations during the day. In reply to a query on NFC Award the Minister made it clear that the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would reconstitute it.
Federal Minister said that the present government is trying its best to deal with rising prices of fuel world-wide and in order to give respite to people introducing 8,000 CNG buses in nine mega cities: Karachi; Hyderabad; Multan; Faisalabad; Lahore; Gujranwala; Rawalpindi; Islamabad and Peshawar.
She said a decision in the meeting has been arrived at to establish 100-megawatt power plant at Tharcoal. She said 20,000 megawatt through coal fired projects till 2030 and 6,000-megawatt in 3 to 5 years period would be generated in the country.
The cabinet meeting while resolving to give relief to lower slab consumers allowed OGRA to ascertain prices of oil & Gas in the country. The cabinet took decision to exempt mineral oil from custom duty in its deliberations during the day, the Minister said.
While concluding the briefing the Minister said their coalition government was fully geared to revive the economy and provide respite to masses and added that they were committed to the nation for their promises on the issue of judges.