ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP): The Ambassador of Turkmenistan H.E. Atadjan Movlamov called on Interim Federal Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali here on Thursday.

The ambassador extended his congratulations to the minister on assuming his new portfolio and exchanged pleasantries.
The minister for energy expressed his gratitude and passed on the regards from the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. “The prime minister is pleased that the TAPI project is dealt on priority basis,” he remarked.

Both sides agreed to speed up the TAPI gas pipeline project. Muhmmad Ali underscored the importance of gas for the economy of Pakistan. “With increasing energy demand of the country, such projects need aggressive approach,” the minister said.

He further reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards TAPI project. The progress on this project is in the right direction and will bear fruit. In this context, host government agreement (HGA) is expected to be concluded, with mutual consensus, in October.

Moreover, frequent meetings of the working group on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) electricity project will be held to expedite the project.

The caretaker energy minister highlighted that Turkmenistan and Pakistan both consider each other strategic partners.
The TAPI project will not only help meet the rapidly increasing energy demand of the country but offers great opportunity in regional connectivity and allied economic growth.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Thursday said the government would hold the general election in accordance with the time-line of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“The election will be conducted on the date which the Election Commission will announce,” the minister said while talking to the media.

“We stand by the Election Commission’s stance, as we do not have any intention to take its powers back,” the minister maintained.

In accordance with Article 218(3) of the Constitution, he said the caretaker government would provide all-out support to the ECP for holding free, fair and transparent elections.

The ECP was bound to carry out delimitation exercise under Article 51, he said, adding the election watchdog had already issued a plan in that regard.

He said it was clearly stated in the Constitution that the country would be run by the elected representatives of the masses.

Solangi said the caretaker finance minister would present an economic recovery plan in a few days.

He said the elected government would have the economy in better form as the caretaker government committed to economic progress and prosperity.