950821

Cabinet okays

extension for

delayed private

power projects

SIKANDER HAYAT

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet in its meeting on Monday reviewed the implementation of private power projects and approved a proposal that extension be granted for the period delayed due to "some unavoidable reasons".

The federal cabinet meeting which was chaired by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, also approved the proposal that the Fast Track projects be given extension of three months provided they double the amount of bank guarantee to ensure better performance.

According to Information Minister Khalid Ahmad Kharal who briefed mediamen on the meeting, the cabinet reviewed the implementation of the 585-megawatt Dera Jamali power project based on gas, which is to be developed at Uch in the Bugti agency, and directed the concerned authorities to improve coordination to the satisfaction of the foreign investors.

The cabinet also directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources that a national policy on acquisition of land for exploration and development of fossil resources be evolved.

Anaswering a question the minister said the financial close of the power plant at Dera Jamali has not taken place because some of the companies could not obtain the required finances. Some of them have asked for extension which will be granted but not as a general rule.

SUGAR

The cabinet reviewed the situation with regard to availability and market price and decided that sugar be sold at Utility Stores at the rate of Rs 13.50 per kilo. The cabinet noted with satisfaction the drive launched by FIA against the hoarding and smuggling of sugar and directed that the FIA operation be continued without let up to overcome the "artificially created" shortage.

The federal cabinet took stock of the damage caused by the floods and reviewed the pace of relief operations. The prime minister directed that utmost care must be exercised to ensure that relief goods and relief reached only the genuine affectees.

A convention for avoidance of double taxation of income and prevention of fiscal evasion to be concluded between Pakistan and Kazakhastan was also approved by the federal cabinet. The convention is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's visit to Almaty later this week.

The cabinet approved funding of various development schemes out of the SAVER Fund to upgrade some existing facilities to international standards as well to create certain new facilities in connection with the Second Islamic Countries Women Sports Solidarity Games which are to be held in Pakistan in October, 1997. Rs 125 million would be used for sports development projects while Rs 30 million would be spent on creating new sports facilities. Another Rs 9 million would be utilized for the renovation of Mohatta Palace in Karachi.

The cabinet accorded approval to a draft bill providing for the control of pollution, management, protection and conservation of the ecology and environment of the Margallah Hills National Park at Islamabad.

Another draft bill approved by the cabinet for submission to the National Assembly was the Islamabad Transfusion of Safe Blood Act 1995, which stipulates compulsory screening for infective agents like Aid/Hepatits/Viruses and provides for the establishment of proper blood transfusion services in the Islamabad capital area.

Approval was also accorded to the introduction of yet another draft bill for establishing Pakistan Oil Seed Development Board. The proposed Board will provide a national forum for activities connected with the development of oilseeds and edible oil-yielding crops in the country.

The cabinet also considered and approved in principle ratification of the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) with the proviso that the ratification would be subject to Pakistan's Constitution. The cabinet also decided that ratification would be done with reservation to certain Articles which were not in line with the country's cherished values and traditions.

The minister said the CEDAW has generally nothing repugnant to Islam. However, some of its articles are in conflict with Muslims' personal law, particularly the law of inheritance.

During general discussion, the cabinet noted with satisfaction the improvement in the law and order situation in Karachi and also expressed its satisfaction on Altaf Group's reported decision to return to the negotiating table. It hoped that resumption of negotiations would help further improve the situation.