Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
KARACHI: The Karachi Coastal Power Project is the first step towards a loadshedding-free Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday
He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the nuclear power project in Karachi.
Thanking the Chinese government for its support in energy-related projects, Nawaz said these schemes will take the Sino-Pakistan friendship to a higher level.
“The beginning of this project is a proud moment in the energy history of the country,” the prime minister said, adding that he is grateful to China for helping Pakistan in this hour of need.
“We are fully committed to take Pakistan into an era with no poverty and ignite hope for a prosperous future,” the prime minister added.
“Things in this country are going to change, inshallah (God willingly); we have promised our people a better Pakistan and wish God will help us achieve this,” he said.
The prime minister said he wants to have a Pakistan where trade flourishes, where minds are opened to new ideas and where everyone has equal opportunities.
“This is our dream; things seem impossible until they are done. We will fulfil this dream,” he said.
Speaking about Karachi and its immense potential, Nawaz said he wishes to see the port city in the list of renowned harbours and industrial hubs like Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore.
“I believe the people of this city have been wanting the government to lend a hand and restore peace and business activities in the city,” he said, adding that the federal government has been successful in achieving these targets with the help of the provincial government and stakeholders.
COMMENTS (41)
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New clear vision...
While praising the great step of Mr. Nawaz Sharif in eradicating the darkness from Pakistan I am amused at the negative comments by a few hyper-trolls of a political wing of TTP. These directionless haters can never see Pakistan flourish!
@Pervez The small run of the river projects are good alternatives but you have to have few baseload power plants build weather nuclear or fossil fuel. The river based projects do not generate a lot and the cost of making several of them to equate to say 1 650 MW nuclear plant wont be much different.
Essentially, it should not be this or that but all of the above approach.
@All
Nuclear Power = Most expensive to build but Cheapest to operate per kWh basis since the plant is baseload that is runs 24/7. Also cleanest power with no emissions.
Fossil Fuel Power = Cheaper than Nuclear to build but much more expensive than Nuclear to operate with high emissions of Carbon in coal based pants. Natural gas based plants among most expensive to operate but cheaper to build with clean energy.
Green Power (Solar/Wind) = Very expensive to build and very expensive to operate on per unit basis plus ALWAYs require backup power system when Sun is not out or wind is not blowing.
Nuclear plant for country like Pakistan is necessary as a component of overall generation system. If this project is completed, Government must be commended.
@ Gold Consumer -
Karachi is NOT the largest revenue generator but the people who are using Karachi's Port for import export contribute the largest revenue that has nothing to do with people of Karachi paying Taxes (mostly businesses and mill owners in Punjab). This rubbish about karachi should be correct and facts checked. The advent of roads and Gawadar port will take a huge bite in to this so called revenue generation. On per capita, Karachi generates simialr tax revenue as Lahore or other cities.
@Xnain: Small run-of-the-river projects that are not expensive and possible with mostly local financing were identified........but the project was deliberately sunk, because no money could be made from it.......the bottom lne is always in the personal interest and never in the countries interest. Our present state of affairs is a clear reflection of that.
@Jibran: Do you remember NS's visit to China? The decision for two 1100MV reactors was decided in that visit. Quite weak memory for a person who comment on every newpiece in ET.
I think we should appreciate Mr. PM's inauguration of power plant. Keep it simple. What wrong he has done if he has started few power projects. Good job PM Sahab
@Adnan Siddiqi: and a country like japan has not been able to totally recover from the nuclear disaster. Do we have more resources than countries like Japan to cope with such a possibility!!??
love you PML N....Nawaz Sharif rocks
@catWomen!: hahaha, like a true Burger............You would have been jumping up and down had it be PTI led something (which is still nowhere to be seen). But anyways, his resolve to correct the dismal situation in this country is commendable. May Allah keep him true to his cause and sincerity. P.S: I heard that KPK government is launching E-electricity after E-FIR,E-information and E-blah blah blah.
This is our dream; things seem impossible until they are done. We will fulfil this dream,” he said. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ No where does the artcile mention a completion date...thats why its a dream.
@MA: Yes and how much do we hear about it in the press. Press only contains action carried out by Punjab government with an occasional mention of operation in Sindh. If you have anything significant available please share it with us, by all means. The same minister also mentioned that the recovery rate is as low as 8% in certain feeders.
@Parvez: The electricity is cheap, but an dam asosciated with it costs 6-10 Billion US Dollars. Not really that cheaper after considering all the package required to produce hydro. And yes not to mention the politics over the dams.
The importance of Karachi cannot be overlooked. Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan, and the deteriorating security situation impacts the rest of the country. At the same time, we have full confidence in the government’s ability to bring the situation under control.
Ali Khan
strong textDear Sirs,
Karachi needs effective planning to remove people living in shelters. These people must be given properly build houses will all modern facilities. These people lived in shelters for more than six decades. They have no water, no gas no electric facility in these shelters. These shelters accomodate million of innocent Pakistani citizens. Karachi is the most densely populated city in Pakistan. It is the responsibility of all people, local and national governments to work together in order to turn this beautiful city into a paradise on earth. To do this, you need careful planning, proper architecture with solid foundation. A house building programme on a massive scale. Where the occupiers will have to pay reasonable rent to local or national government. The housing programme must also contain, proper hospitals, post offices, schools, libraries, civic centres, play grounds and many more. Pakistan is on progressive path. all opportunities are there to turn the country around and make the lives of the people of Pakistan more tolerable and affordable. Thank you God bless.
Yours sincerely,
Mohammed Saleem Awan
@Hafeez: @Adnan Siddiqi: Race between PMLN supporters to praise their incompetent leader and non-existent PM.
Dear Nawaz, another of your loyal supporter "Muslim Leaguer" has so far failed to post a praising comment. Please spare him, as he is currently suffering from dysentery. He will be back as soon as he recovers from his sickness.
PML(N) is building and improving the economy. PTI is disrupting and destroying economy, trade and business. We can see the difference.
@MA:
I think you are subscribed to Lala Land Post because in the real world we haven't read any such thing. Yes, what we have read is as follows:
http://dawn.com/news/1051925/pesco-wants-mpa-booked-for-beating-staff-members
Little knowledge is indeed a dangerous thing but in your case its considered to be a bliss, Mister!
How much Karachi will get from the power share? With the current state of relations between KESC and both the provincial and sindh governments have with KESC i guess karachites will get a bulb's worth of mega watt only! We, the biggest revenue payer are already blamed for stealing 650MW of the country's power
It's a praiseworthy achievement that must be acknowledged. Despite going at a snail's pace, this government is, really, striving to resolve prevalent energy crisis. Though still the situation is not improved yet, but the overall progress shows that one day we will be energy sufficient. To me, it is time to appreciate our rulers.
Thank God, glad to see a PM laying foundation stone at the project site and not at the PM/Governor/Presidential residence.
If your depending on God to get this project done then it's understandable why Pakistan hasn't made any progress - why not build it just like the other countries which don't invoke divine intervention.
Idea of having nuclear reactor - Excellent Idea of having nuclear reactor next to big city like Karachi - Horrible
why do we have to thank PM - it's his job to do this! HE was voted to DELIVER,(not make promises!)
Hydro power is the cheapest form of power ............ so why coal or oil or nuclear which are much, much more expensive ?
@Raheel:
You need massive amount of funds to invest on renewable energy generators, funds which are in short supply to us. Just stay content with what you have for the moment or don't complain when the country is plunged in darkness for 20 hours a day.
LOL !!! No Pakistan without poverty because no Pakistan or Pakistanis will be left. The way this pathetic and selfish Government is going soon we will be having a screwed economy and unbearable inflation there will be excess electricity because no one will be able to afford it.
Mian saanb aue inko vote dene wale khappay
Mr. Nawaz sharif sir , how much commission did you get.
@Dajjal: I understand this to be a coastal wind powered project not nuclear, correct me if I am wrong.
and more massive coal power electric plant also coming soon near karachi east and west
"Journey of thousand miles always starts with a single step" --- Mao Tse Tung While we thank Mr Nawaz Sharif for sincerely striving to take the country out of darkness, we request Taliban Khan to focus on elimination of power thefts & recovery of electricity dues from the people who have mandated him to (mis)rule them [the line losses rate of PESCO is 40%].
Although I am a PTI supporter...but I have strong believe that PML-N will deliver their maximum to minimize the problems of Pakistan as much as possible...its a welcoming move..Gaddani Power City (10 CC Power Plants each of capacity 660 MW) will be another milestobe if completed
Insha Allah this project will be completed at its earliest...
world is running away from nuclear energy to green energy because of the grave risks involved. And here our "visionary" rulers are dragging us to disasters
A massive Nuclear Reactor near the most populated city which is situated on a highly volatile tectonic plate.... what could go wrong....
Way to go Mian Sahab! As a Karachite, I commend you for taking this first step from Karachi.
Please tell us once and for all about your First Step. I have already counted more than 10 First Step within 6 months of your Premiership.