Govt to track down those who malign state institutions on social media: PM Imran Khan

• PM Imran Khan said govt will track down those who malign state institutions on social media
• Foreign agencies and 'sponsored people' running a campaign against institutions on social media 
• 'Protecting the armed forces is a national responsibility'

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that foreign agencies and 'sponsored people' are running a campaign against state institutions on social media, adding that the government will go after all such people.

He was holding a meeting with federal ministers, special assistants and advisers, and concerned secretaries in Islamabad. 

Referencing the attack on the Frontier Corps in Balochistan a day ago during which seven brave soldiers embraced martyrdom while fighting with terrorists, PM Imran Khan said that the Army is a state institution and protecting it is a national responsibility, per sources.

"We have to give a befitting response to the anti-military narrative," he said. 

The PM also directed his government to ensure the safety and security of the armed forces and other institutions in the country.

'Maulana Fazlur Rehman's corruption should be exposed'

The PM also directed the government to probe JUI-F's chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's assets, saying that his "corruption should be exposed,' sources said. 

The PM also said that the Opposition does not have an interest in the welfare of this country but they are working for their own interests, sources added.

"We are not under any pressure from the Opposition's movement," he said. "Their only aims is to get the Non-Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO)." 

PM briefed on several other issues

During the meeting, the premier was also briefed about several measures taken by the authorities to address the prevailing gas shortage in the country. 

PM Imran Khan was also appraised of the government’s initiatives on reforms in the energy sector. The meeting discussed the supply of electricity and gas to industries as well as power supply and demand in the country. 

Read more: Gas shortage adversely impacts business and domestic life in Pakistan

Earlier this month, top officials from the Petroleum Division told The News that a surge in gas shortfall was witnessed because an LNG cargo from Nigeria had been delayed by four days.

As per The News report, the gas crisis would worsen in January 2021 and Sui Northern will be left with no option but to close down RLNG supply to the power sector. In January, the system of Sui Northern will face gas crisis of 500 mmcfd. 

After placing a cut of RLNG to the power sector, the authorities will be able to divert 250 mmcfd to domestic sector, but it will continue to face gas deficit of 250 mmcfd. The government may also go for RLNG supply cuts to the export industry once a week in January, 2021.

During January 4 to January 20 next year, the gas crisis will heighten to a large extent because of failure in getting hold of three cargoes of LNG as the bids were received in fixed price in dollar terms at $12.95 to $15.95 per mmbtu. And the government decided not to procure the pricey LNG.

Read the full report on gas crisis here.