LAHORE: “The government has decided to give dialogue with the Taliban another chance after consulting with all stakeholders. Restoration of peace in Pakistan is of utmost importance. It is hoped that the decision to negotiate with the Taliban will yield positive results,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday.
He was talking to a delegation from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The delegation comprised MNAs Alhaj Shahji Gul Afridi, Sajid Hussain Toori, Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal, Bilal Rehman, Bismillah Khan and Nasir Khan Afridi.
Talking to the delegation, Sharif said a comprehensive strategy had been evolved to promote economic activities.
He said agreements had been signed with several local and foreign companies for investment in power sector and special incentives would be offered in this regard.
He said work had begun on coal-fired electricity projects.
He said Chinese companies had expressed interest in investment in coal-based energy projects.
He said initially, two power plants operated on imported coal would be set up. He said the government was also working on power generation projects from hydel, thermal and other low-cost resources.
He said the government was also checking electricity theft.
The chief minister said industrial estates in the province were also being established.
He said now that Pakistan had been granted the GSP Plus status, its textile exports would increase and this would create new job opportunities.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2014.