LNG will be imported to overcome electricity shortage: CM

This will be a cheap means of producing electricity, he says.

LAHORE: It is absolutely imperative to keep the wheel of the industry moving, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday. “Overcoming the energy crisis is vital for progress and prosperity of the country.”

He was addressing a meeting to review progress on various energy projects.

He said shortage of energy had affected education, health and agriculture sectors. “The government is trying its best to overcome the power shortfall...let’s hope that our efforts bear fruit soon.”

He said the provincial government had planned to set up an LNG Park which would generate 1,000MW. He said the project would help generate low-cost electricity. “LNG will be imported to overcome the electricity shortfall.” He directed relevant institutions and departments to work in a coordinated manner to ensure early completion of the project. “Every moment is precious and we have to march forward.”

He said other development projects were being completed in a speedy and transparent manner. The chief minister said that the government was trying to generate electricity using coal, hydel, solar, bio-mass, bio-gas and other alternative sources.

The chief minister said that overcoming the energy crisis was the government’s top priority and effective steps were being taken in this regard.

Reforms in social sectors

Sharif said that the government was planning innovative reforms in the education, health and law and order sectors to provide maximum relief to citizens.

He said a system of checks and balances was essential to provide the best facilities to the masses. This is why, he said, the provincial government was introducing a system of reward and punishment in provincial departments and institutions. He said this would encourage officers and staff to do their best while inefficient officials will be held accountable.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2015.