ISLAMABAD - Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday and discussed political situation and formation of the provincial cabinet.
The prime minister directed the chief minister to initiate a process of reconciliation with estranged Baloch leaders and convey to them on his behalf his desire to see their participation in the mainstream.
Nawaz Sharif said that his government wants to usher in a new era in Balochistan and work for removing the bitterness of the past.
The prime minister congratulated Dr Abdul Malik on his unanimous election as the chief minister and assured him that the federal government would extend all possible assistance to the government of Balochistan.
Meanwhile, a high-level meeting held under the chair of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday decided to constitute a cabinet committee on energy (CCE) to monitor the overall energy generation and distribution in the country.
The committee to be chaired by the Prime Minister would have federal ministers for water and power, finance and petroleum, and Chief Minister Punjab as its members and it would meet fortnightly to review the overall power generation and distribution system in the country.
The decision to this effect was taken here at Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday. Besides Prime Minister, the meeting was participated by Federal Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar, Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Petroleum, Shahid Khakan Abbasi, Minister for Information, Senator Pervez Rashid, Advisor on Water and Power, Dr Musaddiq Malik, representative of private sector, experts and senior officials. The CEE will meet fortnightly and take decisions on matters relating to the entire power chain including generation and distribution.
STRONG ARMED FORCES TOP
PRIORITY: PM
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his government attaches highest priority to strengthen the Armed Forces and equip them adequately to meet all challenges.
Prime Minister expressed these views during his meetings with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shamim Wynne, and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Asif Sandila, who separately called on him here.
During the meeting, Wynne apprised the Premier of the professional matters relating to the Armed Forces.
While talking to Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, the Prime Minister said, “Ensuring national security is our utmost responsibility and highest priority. All necessary resources will be provided to strengthen Pakistan Navy and enhance its professional capabilities.” The Prime Minister said that Pakistan Navy has an important role in defending the maritime boundaries of the country and safeguarding our sovereignty in the high seas.
Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila briefed the Prime Minister about the preparedness and professional matters pertaining to Pakistan Navy.