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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has directed the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to take immediate steps for reduction in electricity charges.

The directives were issued by the Cabinet after it decided to reduce power tariff on domestic, industrial, commercial and agriculture use.

'Pakistan Times' understands that the cabinet also appreciated the performance of WAPDA during the last seven months as it had reduced the cost of power generation to the extent of Rs 8 billon by switching over the power generation to national gas and increasing the hydel power generation by realizing its optimum potential.

Facility for Farmers

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, had extended the Zari Taraqiati Bank loan repayment facility to those farmers who could not pay back their loans by 1999.

They can now avail this facility by depositing token money with the undertaking that they will return the principle amount within a year which will entitle to waiving off the interest.

Infected Wheat

The cabinet also discussed the reported infected wheat consignment imported from Australia and entrusted Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology to coordinate and oversee fresh lab tests incorporating all stakeholders to determine the suitability or otherwise of the wheat for human consumption.

While taking notice of shortage of the reported shortage of atta [flour], the Cabinet had decided to invite the four chief ministers to Islamabad after Moharam to discuss the issue.

Strict Action against Hoarders, Blackmarketeers

It was also decided to take stern action against those who have restored to hoarding, profiteering and black-marketing.

The meeting reviewed the ADB funded Access to Justice Program and decided to set up a committee consisting of Minister of Finance, Minister of Law, senior advisor Sharifuddin Prizada, Chairman National Reconstruction Bureau, Chief Justice of Pakistan and chief justices of high courts to suggest measures and present recommendations to the Cabinet aimed at improving the administration of justice and early access of the citizens to it.

'Justice delayed, Justice Denied'

The cabinet expressed its concern over piling up of pending case leading to delay in the provision of justice as justice delayed is justice denied.

It also directed the Committee to monitor the use of the Asian Development Bank loan of US$ 350 million keeping in view the prime objective of revamping the judicial system of the country.

Okays Accord

The cabinet approved the agreement concluded between Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and the Metallurgical Construction Corporation of China for the development of Dubbdar Lead-Zinc in district Lasbella involving direct investment of $ 72.63 million.