ISLAMABAD: Federal Cabinet endorsing the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), has approved the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills.
According to details, the meeting of the Federal Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the meeting, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills.
Presiding over the federal cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that in the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills, securing national interests as well as the benefit of the workers should be kept in consideration.
Earlier, the government had approved the dismissal of 9,350 employees of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) with a collective payment of Rs 20 billion.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) chaired by Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Finance Advisor to the Prime Minister. Several key decisions were also made by the federal cabinet under PM’s chair.
The cabinet was informed that the federal government will set up 1000 additional beds, equipped with oxygen facility in hospitals all the four provinces this month to facilitate the COVID-19 patients.
A mobile application Resource Management System (RMS) and website are being used to create awareness and spread information about COVID-19 and related facilities for its treatment.
Speaking about the pandemic challenge, PM Imran Khan stressed the need to address some misunderstandings prevalent amongst the public about the epidemic.
PM khan said keeping view Pakistan’s economic situation, enforcement of lockdown was not possible as, on one hand, the country faces the threat of the infection, while on the other hand, poverty was a major challenge to deal with.
He also said that the spread of COVID-19 can be contained by strictly following protective STEPS and standard operating procedures (SOPs). PM Imran ordered cabinet members to persuade common people to observe the rules and regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The dignitaries were briefed about facilities in different hospitals of the federal capital, It was informed that 200 beds were added to extend facilities in Islamabad’s hospitals.
The federal cabinet was also told that a plan of action regarding the session of the National Assembly had been decided in consultation with Speaker Asad Qaiser and the political leaders of other parties.
Regarding measures taken in light of the Sugar Inquiry Committee’s recommendations, the cabinet was informed that implementation had begun with the approval of the Prime Minister. Speaking on this issue, the PM said that the sugar inquiry matter will be taken to its logical conclusion.
He said the government believes in complete transparency and protecting people’s rights.
PM expressed the resolve to bring down sugar prices at all costs and masses will see that the government only keeps people’s interest supreme.
He said it is a battle of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan and action will be taken against anyone found involved in the sugar scandal.
Regarding improving the performance of government departments and implementation of decisions in a stipulated time frame, PM directed to expedite implementation of the e-filing and e-tracking system of files in ministries.
The meeting was also briefed about the positive utilization of evacuee properties and managing matters of the Evacuee Trust Board in light of the recommendations of the concerned task force. It was told that ETB governs 47,000 properties. The Prime Minister ordered to expedite the identification of evacuee properties and their geotagging process.
Expressing serious concerns over the ongoing artificial shortage of petroleum products across the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered strict action against those behind it.
Presiding over the federal cabinet meeting, PM Imran expressed concern over the artificial shortage of petroleum products being created in the country by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and petrol dealers, adding that no mercy would be shown to the elements found guilty of fuel shortage.
The prime minister directed the minister for petroleum and OGRA to ensure that every oil marketing company (OMC) maintains 21 days of stock to meet its license conditions.
He also directed that the Petroleum Division and OGRA take all actions necessary to ensure regular supplies within 48-72 hours.
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