News
Adviser on Petroleum calls on PM
ISLAMABAD: Dr Asim Hussain has been appointed an Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources, says a press release issued on Sunday.Dr Asim, who will take charge of his office today (Monday), called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister's House. Talking to the newly-appointed adviser, Prime Minister Gilani directed the Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry to revamp the oil and gas sector to develop proper coordination among all the relevant institutions. He said the objective of this exercise would be to expand the production and ensure better distribution of oil and gas among all the consumers, including industries.
Gilani directed the ministry to prepare a short-term two-year vision to develop the existing facilities in the field of oil and gas to help resolve the problems of the common man.
It was decided in the meeting that all managing directors of various oil and gas companies under the Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry would be immediately removed. "All officials in the Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry as well as all organisations and companies under the ministry who have attained 60 years of age or are on contract will retire with immediate effect," the meeting decided.
The new board of directors (BoDs) of all companies and institutions under the ministry will be reconstituted and the minister and the secretary will not be included in the BoDs.
The meeting decided that no new gas connection would be issued in any part of the country for the next six months under any circumstances.
The Sui Northern and Sui Southern Gas companies will jointly form an LPG distribution company for the country.
Prime Minister Gilani and Dr Asim decided in the meeting that all court cases would be vigorously pursued to remove impediments and for collection of pending dues as well as to resolve the issues of exploration and distribution of oil and gas.
The premier asked Dr Asim Hussain to take strict measures to substantially reduce the Circular Debt. He asked the newly-appointed adviser to rationalise the prices of petroleum products in the nearest future.
APP adds: On the advice of the prime minister, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday night appointed Senator Asim Hussain as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum.
According to Farhatullah Babar, Spokesperson to the President, Senator Asim Hussain will have the status of a federal minister.
Courtesy www.geo.tv