Cabinet approves MoU on new terms of engagement with US

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman. – File Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: Federal Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday approved signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States on new terms of engagements and restoration Nato supply routes.
Briefing media representatives later, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said this is in line with parliamentary committee’s guidelines that there would be no hidden or unwritten agreement with any foreign country and every agreement would be in black and white.
Draft of the MoU was finalised after extensive consultations and input from all relevant ministries, armed forces which reflect transparency in government’s foreign relations, he noted.
He said the cabinet has also allowed petroleum and natural resources ministry to initiate talks with India to explore possibility of purchase of POL products.
“For import of gas from Iran, we will have to lay about 1,000 KM pipeline but for import of natural gas from India, we will have to lay only 60 km pipeline and if it is feasible, it can provide instant relief to the nation,” said the information minister while commenting on gas pipeline issue.
Import of these products could be inexpensive due to proximity factor. There is possibility of Pakistan exporting Naptha to India. Ministry was permitted to initiate talks with India for RLNG import. Final decision will be taken on receipt of terms, conditions and financing feasibility, said the minister.
To a question, Kaira said general elections in the country will be held next year and government will contact the opposition on caretaker set up when that stage comes. He said the prime minister is taking personal interest in resolving power crisis.
Moreover, the cabinet also formed a committee over Balochistan situation. The committee would present its report in a week, said the information minister.