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Govt asked to review privatisation policy
Shah says OGDCL, Pakistan Petroleum must not be privatised
APPISLAMABAD - Leader of Opposition Khursheed Ahmed Shah on Wednesday urged the government to decrease the prices of electricity by passing the benefit of significant oil price reduction in the international market.
Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, he said that 38 per cent electricity was being produced in Pakistan from fuel, and fuel prices have registered a significant decrease in the last few months. The people should be given relief. The price of electricity has been increased by 35 per cent in the last few years.
In Pakistan, the prices of electricity were at maximum as compared to the neighbouring countries. Load shedding was on the increase since 2013. Hydel power was being produced at Rs 7 per unit while the power is being sold from Rs 22 to Rs 23 per unit. He said that profitable organisations especially Oil and Gas Development Authority (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) must not be privatised.
The shares of OGDCL and PPL must not be sold as it harms Pakistan. He said that the Pakistan Steel Mills has already been closed for the first time in last 30 years. At least 25,000 to 30,000 families would be affected by closure of the mill. The government and the opposition should devise a joint policy for putting Pakistan on a road to progress and prosperity.
He said that a joint strategy should be devised to review privatisation policy. He said that thinking of the people could not be changed by holding sit-ins but the people could be influenced by introducing people-friendly policies.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk