ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Hajj Policy 2017, lifting of moratorium on new gas connections and execution of development schemes.
Chairing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet at the PM Office in Islamabad, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed that maximum facilities be provided to the pilgrims.
The prime minister also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for making good arrangements for the Hujjaj last year. However, he directed to again work out the Hajj expenses and present revised rates in the next cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet lifted moratorium on new gas connections following a green signal from the Cabinet Committee on Energy.
The Cabinet also approved execution of gas development schemes, initiated during the present government.
While discussing problems related to housing sector, the prime minister said in view of growing urbanization, the government would facilitate the low income groups in housing sector.
The prime minister said urbanization was increasing at a rapid pace due to development activities and there was a need to cater to the demands in housing sector.
The Minister for Planning, Reform and Development Dr Ahsan Iqbal gave a detailed presentation on the subject and showed various housing models for low and middle income population groups.
The minister for planning also apprised the prime minister about the issues related to housing sector including governance and finance, connectivity and planning, land and housing, resilience to natural disasters and effects of climate change.
It was agreed to constitute a Cabinet sub-committee comprising Minister Housing (chair), Minister Planning, Minister Railways, Minister SAFRON, Secretary to PM, Secretary Finance, representatives of State Bank and National Bank to work out detailed plan on housing within 10 days and present it in the next Cabinet Meeting.
