ISLAMABAD -  WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (r) Muzamil Hussain called on Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday.

The minister welcomed the newly appointed chairman of WAPDA and extended his best wishes to him on assuming the responsibility.

The chairman briefed the minister on the progress of Neelum-Jehlum hydro power project, and Tarbela-IV project as well as Dasu hydro power project. The new WAPDA chief informed the minister that the Tarbela-IV project is expected to be inaugurated next year and Neelum-Jehlum Hydro Power Project in the year 2018.

The minister appreciated the effort of the new chairman in expediting the work on the ground and overcoming any bottlenecks. The minister also assured WAPDA of all possible help and support in early execution of the hydro power projects.

The meeting was also participated by senior officials of the Ministries of Finance and Water and Power.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister also presided over a meeting to ensure timely procurement of vaccines for immunization programme. Secretary Health, Regulation and Coordination Ayub Sheikh briefed the finance minister on the matter.

The minister was informed that vaccines provided by Global Alliance for Vaccine Immunization (Gavi) are also to be paid for by the provinces as decided by ECNEC as health is a devolved subject. The vaccines are for BCG, polio, measles diphtheria, hepatitis C etc.

Finance minister directed that bridge financing be provided for the procurement of vaccines as was also decided by ECNEC.

This would ensure that there are no stock outs of critical vaccines and that commitment of co-financing with Gavi would also be met. This would ensure smooth inflow of Gavi vaccines, especially Penta, Peneumococal and Rotavirus. Finance minister said that the young generation of the country has to be saved from diseases and so the government was committed to making available necessary vaccines for the purpose.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials of Ministry of Finance as well as Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms.