ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has approved expanding the network of Panagahs across the country to facilitate the down trodden and shelterless people.

Briefing media in Islamabad on Tuesday about decisions taken in the cabinet meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said the idea of Panagah is very close to Prime Minister Imran Khan's heart, as he believes to provide an honorable shelter to the poor.

He said the cabinet also approved to start a ferry service for pilgrims at Gwadar.Shibli Faraz said the cabinet also approved closure of dysfunctional power plants.

He said the Prime Minister has also taken notice of the issue of SECP official, Sajid Gondal and directed the concerned authorities to leave no stone unturned for his recovery. 

The Minister said the Cabinet held detailed discussion on situation emerged as a result of heavy rains in Karachi and interior Sindh. He said the cabinet has constituted a special committee to estimate the losses incurred due to rains.

About outstanding amount of media houses, Shibli Faraz said an amount of 1.1 billion rupees have so far been paid to the media houses in this regard.

Answering a question, the Minister said the government is making all out efforts to reduce impact of inflation in wake of COVID-19. He expressed the confidence that the government will overcome the inflation.

Replying to another question, he said legislation to meet requirements of Financial Action Task Force is imperative for country's economy and the people.

Shibli Faraz said the opposition should refrain from doing negative politics on this matter.