Olson assures relief and rehabilitation of IDPs

 Says reimbursement of CSF as schedule

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Richard G. Olson US Ambassador to Pakistan called on the Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Finance Tuesday and discussed progress on CASA-1000 and Diamer Bhasha Dam projects.

The Finance Minister informed the Ambassador that overall economic situation in the country is satisfactory. All the economic indicators are reflecting positive trends and now the government is working to consolidate the gains made during the last one year. He also discussed funding for ongoing and future energy projects which the government intends to launch soon. He underlined the importance of completing the ongoing energy projects on the fast track. Both the sides also discussed progress made on CASA-1000 and Diamer Bhasha Dam projects.

The Ambassador assured the Finance Minister that the US would continue to build economic relations and partnership with Pakistan with the aim to bring development and prosperity in the region. The Ambassador also expressed US keen interest in relief and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in NWA.

The Finance Minister informed that the diplomatic and donor community based in Islamabad will be briefed by the concerned departments for the rehabilitation plans. He appreciated US support for IDPs and hoped that the international community will join hands with the Government of Pakistan for rehabilitation of IDPs.

The Ambassador appreciated the decision of the government for allowing live cattle import from the countries where there are minimum risk of BSE infected cattle. The Ambassador also informed that the US investors are actively participating in divestment of GOP shares in public sector enterprises. The Finance Minister informed that the government was able to fetch good price for PPL and UBL shares. He said that the plan for divestment is on track and the whole process will be carried out with complete transparency and fairness.

The US Ambassador informed the Finance Minister that the reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund is on track and payments will be made according to the schedule.

Both the sides also discussed progress made so far on economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Saleem Sethi, Secretary Economic Affairs Division and senior officials of the Ministry.