Energy crisis, PIA, PR, PSM transformation: Prime Minister sets up task force under Hafeez

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday formed a task force to address the issue of energy crisis in the country and for the transformation of public sector entities, including PIA, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan Steel Mills.
The decision was taken at the federal cabinet meeting held here at Governor House on Sunday. Talking to reporters during his visit to the Mazar-e-Quaid-i-Azam, he said that the task force would be headed by Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.
"The government is facing the challenges of power load shedding, gas shortage, and transformation of PIA, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan Steel Mills", he said, adding that he had directed the task force to take measures to address these issues in 2012.
He announced that the government has decided to dedicate year 2012 to addressing rights of Balochistan. He directed all ministries to make public their performance on monthly basis so that people could know about the performance of the government.
He pointed out that the present government had decided to hold federal cabinet meetings in all provinces. "We have held cabinet meeting at Gwadar where the historic National Finance Commission (NFC) award was signed, and which was a big achievement of the present government", he said.
It was the 100th federal cabinet meeting that was held here in Karachi to mark the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It was for the first time in the country's history that the federal cabinet of any government held its 100th meeting. He said that 80 percent of the cabinet decisions have been implemented while the remaining 20 percent were in the pipeline.
He said that all political parties, civil society and all institutions support democracy and no one wants to derail this system.
About the Balochistan issue, the PM said that the government has declared that the year 2012 would be dedicated to Balochistan. He said,"The year 2012 will be year of Balochistan" and the government would ensure complete implementation of the 'Aghaz-e-Haqoq-e-Balochistan'.
He said that the government respects all institutions, including judiciary, army and media. He said that all institutions should be under the constitutional framework. "We believe in independence of democracy", he added.
"We never forget the sacrifices of Pakistan Army and respect our soldiers who are fighting against terrorism", he said.
He said that the parliament is the supreme institution in the country.
He reiterated that the government would continue its policy of reconciliation to strengthen democracy in the country.
He said that restoration of 1973 constitution in its original form and constitution of National Finance Commission were big achievements of the government.
He said that the government would continue its policy of reconciliation to strengthen democracy in the country.
He said PPP does not have even single majority in the national assembly. "For single majority in the National Assembly there should be 172 members but we have only 126-130 members in the lower house", he added.
He said that the PPP formed its government with the support of allies and thanked them for their support. "Our allies supported us even at very difficult times and we are thankful to all of them", he added.
He assured all political parties that they would be provided opportunity to participate in a free, fair and transparent election in 2013.
He said the government would respect the people's decision in the next elections. "If the people elect us again we will be happy, otherwise we will bow before the will of the people", he added.
About Benazir's death case ue said he could not comment as the matter was sub judice. However, he said that high profile cases took time. Earlier, the PM visited the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhhamad Ali Jinnah with cabinet members, Sindh Governor Ishart ul Ibad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.
The Prime Minister laid floral wreath on the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam to pay homage and respect to the Father of the Nation.
He also offered fateha and special prayers for the solidarity, progress and prosperity of the country and welfare of the people. He also wrote his remarks in the visitor's book at the Mausoleum.
On his arrival at the Mazar-i-Qauid, national anthem was played by children. The children also presented some national songs.