June 10, 2020: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed that maximum punitive action must be taken against all those responsible for the artificial shortage of petrol in the country and ordered authorities concerned to ensure regular supplies within 48-72 hours.

He gave these instructions while chairing meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad yesterday (Tuesday).

Taking notice of the artificial shortage of petrol, the cabinet noted that OGRA and Petroleum Division have the legal authority to physically enter and inspect oil companies' storage facilities.

The Cabinet directed Petroleum Ministry to form joint raiding teams comprising representatives of the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA and District administrations.

The teams shall inspect all petrol depots and storage. They have all authority to enter any site and anyone found involved in hoarding shall face the full force of law, including arrest and forced release of such stores.

Besides, any company found not maintaining the mandatory stocks and supply to its outlets, as per their license, shall face punitive actions, including suspension and cancellation of license and heavy fines.

The Prime Minister directed that the Petroleum Division and OGRA take all actions necessary to ensure regular supplies within 48-72 hours.

Ministry of Energy informed the Cabinet that total supplies in June last year were 650,000 metric tons while supplies arranged 850,000 metric tons for June this year.

The Cabinet urged the public not to engage in panic buying as the stocks that are being hoarded will be identified and ensured to be available in the market and action be taken against hoarders.

The Prime Minister directed the Minister of Petroleum and OGRA to ensure that every Oil Marketing Company maintains 21 days stock to meet its license conditions. 

The cabinet was informed that the federal government will establish one thousand additional beds, equipped with oxygen facility in all the four provinces this month to cater for the needs of Corona patients. Besides, the mobile application Resource Management System (RMS) and website are being used to create awareness and spread information about Coronavirus and related facilities for its treatment.

Speaking about the COVID-19 challenge, Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed the need to address some misunderstandings prevalent amongst the public about the Corona pandemic.

He said, keeping in view the economic situation of the country, enforcement of lockdown is not possible as, on the one hand, we are facing the threat of contagion, while on the other hand, poverty is also a big challenge for us.

He said the spread of Coronavirus can be contained by strictly following the precautionary measures. He directed to persuade the common people to observe standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The meeting was briefed about facilities in various hospitals of the federal capital to deal with the Corona situation. It was informed that 200 beds have been added to the existing facilities of Islamabad's hospitals.

The federal cabinet was also told that a plan of action regarding the session of the National Assembly has been decided in consultation with Speaker Asad Qaiser and the political leaders of other parties.

Regarding improving the performance of government departments and implementation of decisions in a stipulated timeframe, Imran Khan directed to expedite the implementation of the e-filing and e-tracking system of files in ministries.

The meeting was also briefed about the positive utilization of evacuee properties and managing matters of the Evacuee Trust Board in light of the recommendations of the concerned task force. It was told that ETB governs 47,000 properties. The Prime Minister directed to expedite the identification of evacuee properties and their geotagging process.

The cabinet pondered upon the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee regarding Pakistan Steel Mills and noted that the government pursues a reform agenda to improve the performance of various institutions. It observed that the people of Pakistan have to bear the burden of PSM lying dysfunctional for years, which needs to whip up the reform agenda in the best interest of the country.

The meeting approved various recommendations presented by Prime Minister's Advisor on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain regarding ensuring quality workforce in government departments, especially hiring competent individuals to head state organizations.

Radio Pakistan

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