PM to review withdrawal of subsidy in electricity.

ISLAMABAD, June 24, 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- Following sheer reservations from Opposition and Ruling Party regarding withdrawal of subsidy on electricity, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday decided to review Governments decision, however formal approval will be attained from President Asif Ali Zardari. Reliable government Sources informed reporter that nearly all the parties in the Coalition Government including three big parties MQM, ANP, JUI-F and PPP members too have strongly opposed 17 percent increase in power tariff besides withdrawal of subsidy on electricity. They were of a clear-cut stance that this would certainly provoke the furious masses, as people will come to streets for agitation against the injustice. Sources say that MQM has hinted not to be a part of the Government in case of withdrawal of subsidy. It has been told that PM called Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin, State Minister for Finance Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf and other Senior Ministers in his chamber at the Parliament House for mutual consultations on the thorny matter. Shaukat Tarin was of the view that according to conditions laid down by IMF, withdrawal of subsidy by June 30 is mandatory otherwise they would not get next instalment of loan. On the other hand, Raja Pervez Ashraf told PM that all the decisions must be taken on national interests adding 17 percent increase must not be done adding it should be increase phase wise for less load on masses. Sources further added that after reviewing all the details, PM will take President into confidence so that before June 30, some important announcement could be made. Further, PM also is not in the favour of 17 percent increase urging countrys industry would be badly/seriously affected in this regard, Sources added.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)