Former Caretaker Minister Joins Federal Cabinet As SAPM Power

Former caretaker federal minister for Power Muhammad Ali has officially joined the federal cabinet as Special Assistant to PM (SAPM) on Power. “The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973 read with serial number 1A of Schedule V.A of the rule ibid, has been pleased to appoint Muhammad Ali, as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power, with the status of Minister of State, with immediate effect,” the Cabinet Division notified in a statement on Sunday. This appointment comes as the federal government struggles to keep power bills under control. ProPakistani reported earlier that the Energy and Finance Divisions have presented a relief plan with the government whereby a Rs. 4 trillion payment would be made to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in exchange for an Rs. 5 per unit reduction in electricity bills for all categories of consumers. This plan is still under discussion.