While addressing a press conference following a cabinet meeting, Fawad said that 23 per cent of people living in cities are utilizing gas at subsidised rates as a result of which 78 per cent of people living in other areas have to rely on LPG, coal, and other sources.
The minister said that the government would have to ensure a more even distribution of gas to all citizens, emphasising that those living in cities need to change their habits.
While addressing other important issues, Chaudhary said that a Sugar Sector Reform Committee report will be released for public debate today. He added that the report contained proposals to deregularise the market and reduce the government’s role in fixing prices.
Talking about the ongoing protests in Gwadar, the minister said that the cabinet had nominated two federal ministers, Asad Umar and Zubaida Jalal, to visit the port city and meet the protesters on behalf of the prime minister.
He also said that the government had given the State Bank 12-months to replace currency notes of Rs10, 50, 100, and 1000.