Electricity shortage to be fulfilled in 2 and a half years time: PM (detailed)
- April 25, 2014, 6:51 pm
- Breaking News
- 104 Views
Quetta, Apr 25 (Online): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the government would fulfill the electricity shortage in the country within two and a half years' time.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony on Friday of the 404MW Uch Power Project-II in Dera Murad Jamali, Balochistan
Addressing the ceremony, the premier said the government would fulfill the electricity shortage in the country within two and a half years' time.
Talking about Uch-II Power Project, he said it will help reduce the burden from country's import bill. Nawaz Sharif said soon long-term energy projects including hydel will be initiated soon. He said future of the country is bright. He also thanked foreign companies investing in Pakistan's energy sector.
The Prime Minister said the power project was significant mainly for two reasons firstly it would be based on an indigenous gas by substituting expensive liquid fuel thus saving foreign exchange and secondly it has been set up in Balochistan.
He commended the contribution of GDF Suez for successful commissioning of the project which he said was a valuable addition to the national grid.
He said GDF Suez had been a reliable energy partner for Pakistan for many years and was also playing its role in the socio economic development of the province. He invited the French company to undertake more investment in Pakistan's energy projects.
He stressed on the need for carrying forward all institutions together for the country’s prosperity.
The PM said our installed capacity today stands at approximately 23,000 MW, out of which 13,000 is commissioned, adding that little time is required to bridge the gap.
He further said that the country was faced with acute shortage of power, and government was committed in solving these issues.
He said his government would add power to national system in next 8 years what had been added in total 65 years of our past.
Nawaz Sharif said provision of cheap electricity is need of the hour. He mentioned that the government's steps in this regard including clearing of Rs 500 billion of circular debt and initiating the work on Neelum Jhelum project and Nandi Pur project that will add 959 MW and 425 MW to the national grid respectively.
He also directed the concerned authorities to install new transmission lines for Nasirabad and Sibbi.
Besides development of Thar Coal Project Jhimpir project in Sindh and solar projects in Punjab are also prominent steps to overcome power shortage he said.
Prime Minister said Balochistan was neglected in the past but the democratic government would take necessary steps to mitigate the sense of deprivation of people of the province. He said the present government is committed to bring socio-economic prosperity in Balochistan province.
He said his government had planned a big development programme for Balochistan and its people.
He said provision of domestic gas will be ensured to all cities of the province in next three years.
Prime Minister directed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to personally monitor this project and ensure its completion on time.
It is pertinent to mention here that a power plant is already working in Uch and with the inception of new plant, the capacity of power generation has now reached 990MW.
On this occasion, PM Nawaz Sharif invited foreign firms to invest in power sector.
This was the second major power project to be inaugurated by the prime minister in a week.
Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said the project would contribute to overcoming the energy shortage and would invite further foreign investment in Balochistan.
He said the project will not only help in curtailing the present power shortages but also provide cheap electricity to the consumers and save precious foreign exchange in oil imports.
Earlier, Nawaz Sharif was received by Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik when he reached Dera Mura Jamali.
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and Senior Provincial Minister Sanaullah Zehri were also present.
