ISLAMABAD: Richard Holbrooke, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan called on Shaukat Tarin, Federal Minister for Finance here today.

The Federal Minister after meeting said IMF allowed Pakistan to give subsidy for electricity on the recommendation of the US and for this he said he is grateful to the US.

Shaukat Tarin said matters relating to the upcoming Friends of Pakistan (FoP) conference came under discussion during meeting with Richard Holbrooke. The FoP moot will focus on aid in connection with the reconstruction of the Malakand division.

The Finance Minister said the US will provide assistance to Pakistan in its long-term planning for developing power generation projects including those of hydel, wind and solar energy.

He said the country is presently facing a total power shortfall of 4,500 MW.

Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar and US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson were also present during the meeting.LINK