Federal cabinet postpones increase in gas prices

Islamabad: The federal cabinet has postponed the increase in gas prices and instructed the concerned authorities to further mull over the decision on Monday.

The recommended increase in gas prices has been halted by the federal cabinet, which has also postponed the Economic Coordination Committee's (ECC) decision.

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar chaired the federal cabinet session today and took key decisions.

According to sources, several decisions taken by the ECC were not taken into consideration in today’s federal cabinet session.

The cabinet members did, however, agree to take Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) from the list of companies slated for privatization.

The Hajj and Umrah Regulation Bill 2023 was passed during the meeting. Aneeq Ahmed, the acting federal minister for religious affairs, briefed the cabinet members.

It was reported that Pakistanis are allowed 179,210 Hajj pilgrimages, per Saudi Arabian approval. 50% of each will be allocated to the government and private Hajj quotas.

The ministry will start accepting Hajj applications from mid-November.

In another decision, the cabinet approved the establishment of the anti-human smuggling station. The special police station will be established by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

A briefing was also given on the repatriation of illegally residing immigrants from across the country. It was told that the orders for repatriation of illegal immigrants were issued to all provinces under the Foreign Act 1947.