Gen Bajwa holds meeting with PM Imran
Govt working on new petroleum policy offering incentives to foreign exploration: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday chaired meeting of the National Security Committee which reiterated that Pakistan shall continue all its efforts towards regional peace and stability. The forum discussed and fully supported ongoing efforts towards a sustainable and lasting resolution of country’s economic issues, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Mr. Pervez Khattak, Interior Minister Mr. Ijaz Ahmed Shah, Law Minister Mr. Mohammad Farogh Naseem, Minister for Kashmir Affairs & GB Mr. Ali Amin Gandapur, Finance Adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, CJCSC General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Attorney General Mr. Anwar Mansoor Khan, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman, DG ISI Lt Gen Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, DG MO Maj Gen Nauman Zikria and Federal Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Law, Kashmir Affairs & GB and National Security Division.
The forum discussed geo-strategic environment with special reference to recent developments in the region. In separate session, forum discussed Gilgit-Baltistan reforms. The Prime Minister directed that the aspirations of people of Gilgit-Baltistan especially the youth must be given preeminence during the decision making process. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Wednesday held a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister Office in Islamabad. Sources relayed the prime minister and the army chief deliberated on various issues, including security matters, law and order situation and the Pakistan Army’s professional matters during the meeting. This is the second meeting between the two in less than 10 days’ time. Earlier, on May 15, the army chief held an important meeting with the prime minister at the latter’s office. According to a statement, security matters were discussed during the meeting. The meeting followed on the heels of a staff level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $6 billion bailout package ahead of the budget for upcoming fiscal year. On the other hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan says government is working on a new petroleum policy offering incentives to foreign exploration and production companies and removing impediments in way of smooth and profitable business ventures.
He was talking to a delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Kuwait Petroleum Shaikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah in Islamabad on Wednesday. The Prime Minister welcomed Shaikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah and his delegation to Pakistan and assured Government’s continued support to the company in their smooth business operations. He highlighted various steps taken by the government for improving ease of doing business and facilitation of foreign investment. He observed that exploration remained a neglected area in past.
The Prime Minister appreciated company’s contribution towards imparting training to the local manpower in exploration and production sector.
Shaikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah briefed the Prime Minister about Kuwait Petroleum’s business ventures in Pakistan since 1980s in the area of exploration. He evinced keen interest in further expanding business activities in the country.
Meanwhile, the government has executed Petroleum Concession Agreement and Exploration License over Block No.3371-19(Makhad) to Kirthar Pakistan B.V., the subsidiary of Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company on strategic Partner basis.
The signing ceremony was graced by Minister for Petroleum Omar Ayub Khan. The Minister said these efforts will bear fruits for the country in the form of additional hydrocarbon reserves during the next few years. Agencies