Our Correspondent
Sialkot
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on unday said that the authorities concerned have been directed to ensure the supply of gas to people’s households even if it means curbing the supply to CNG stations.
Addressing a press conference here, she maintained that there are false claims being perpetuated regarding the hike in gas prices. “The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is merely a regulator which, keeping in mind ground realities, forwards its input to the government.
“The prime minister is aware of the people’s problems and the government understands that citizens cannot bear to take on more expenses at the moment.
“We cannot act on the recommendations put forth by the authority. We must come up with a realistic strategy so that we do not put additional burden on the nation,” she said. She stated that a continuous wave of winter has gripped the country which is why there has been an increase in the demand for gas. “Keeping this in mind, there has been a 12 per cent increase in gas pressure while overall utilisation has increased by almost 2.5% as compared to last year.”
Firdous also commented on the recent tensions between India and Pakistan. “The people of Pakistan stand behind the army. Our media is showing the true picture of what is currently going on at the border [Line of Control]. “Our media is unveiling India’s true intentions and will continue to do so.” Calling out Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she expressed that the party only seems to remember Benazir Bhutto, whose death anniversary falls on Dec 27, during elections or when the need to win people’s favour.
“Those who were brought in to politics on recommendations have the audacity to call the prime minister ‘selected’,” she said, responding to Bilawal’s frequent use of the word.
She added that the opposition continues to denounce democracy during Imran Khan’s tenure as it is not the type of democracy they want. Firdous also had something to say to Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Maryam Nawaz, who has moved the court for removal of her name from the Exit Control List. anniversary falls on Dec 27, during elections or when the need to win people’s favour.
“Those who were brought in to politics on recommendations have the audacity to call the prime minister ‘selected’,” she said, responding to Bilawal’s frequent use of the word.
She added that the opposition continues to denounce democracy during Imran Khan’s tenure as it is not the type of democracy they want. Firdous also had something to say to Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Maryam Nawaz, who has moved the court for removal of her name from the Exit Control List.
