ISLAMABAD(National times)- The government has finally lifted the long-standing ban on new gas connections for domestic use, giving much-needed relief to households that had been waiting for years. Addressing a joint press conference, Federal Ministers Ali Pervaiz Malik and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal cabinet took several key decisions in its latest meeting. The meeting also began with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of Major Adnan Aslam, who was martyred in the line of duty. Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government is determined to root out the menace of terrorism and added that relief activities in flood-hit areas are in full swing. He announced that new RLNG connections will be issued to the public, pointing out that RLNG will be up to 35% cheaper than imported LPG, making it easier on people’s pockets. Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the cabinet also reviewed the flood situation in detail and decided to impose both a climate emergency and an agriculture emergency to deal with the heavy losses. He noted that consultations will be held with all four provinces, as well as the governments of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon meet all four chief ministers.

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Referring to the PM’s recent visit to China, Chaudhry said the trip was highly successful and further strengthened the “iron-clad” friendship between the two countries, which has always stood the test of time. The minister reminded reporters that domestic gas connections had been under a ban since 2021. “Today, the Prime Minister has decided to roll back that ban. New gas connections will be given, and the hardships faced by people for years will finally be put to rest,” he said.