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Summary
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said increasing power generation was the top priority of the government and development funds have been diverted to meet the shortage. Talking to media after a ceremony to inaugurate a pharmaceutical plant at the PM Secretariat, Gilani said the leadership of the country was fully cognizant of the problems being faced by the masses. Gilani said shortage of electricity was a matter of serious concern for both the industry and the public and he would soon convene a meeting of the four Chief Ministers to discuss these matters and austerity measures. The prime minister to a question said most of the circular debt has been cleared and added that with a cut on the development funds the rest would also be retired. About the use or rental power, Gilani said the issue of power deficiency was being addressed through a comprehensive strategy and the entire focus of the government was on resolving this serious issue. He said the leaders of Pakistan stand with their people and as they were enduring load-shedding, he too had ordered strict compliance of no-use of airconditioners before 11 am. Even if the army chief or ambassador Anne W Patterson comes to me before that time, we use pedestal fans, Gilani said. About the recommendations of the committee on Balochistan submitted to him, he said it comprises all proposals and suggestions clubbed together, with a view to address the grievances of the province. He said Balochistan has suffered injustices over the past 62 years and his government has resolved to address these. He said it was yet to be decided whether to convene a jirga or an All Parties Conference to discuss these issues with the Baloch people. Referring to his decision on the local government system, Gilani said he has submitted his recommendations to the President and the MQM was fully onboard.
