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Energy projects to bring regional prosperity

Experts say South Asia needs to work together for stability, peace

Our Correspondent December 08, 2015

Experts say South Asia needs to work together for stability, peace. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Experts on Monday urged regional linkages through energy projects in a bid to bring prosperity and stability in South Asia.

While addressing a conference on ‘Regional Cooperation for Energy Security’ organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), experts said that South Asia was facing economic, political and security issues.

South Asia still backward and least integrated

They said that energy projects like Casa-1,000 and TAPI were of utmost importance for the region’s development.

Adviser to Afghanistan Ministry of Energy Alias Wardak said that Casa power import project from Tajikistan would meet the energy needs of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He said that another project was the TAPI gas pipeline which would provide energy to Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. “Inter-dependence would lead to peace and prosperity in the region,” he said, adding that such projects can pave way for political stability in the region as well.

Mega power projects put on back burner as govt changes tack

Pradeep S-Mehta, secretary general CUTS International, said that insufficient generation capacity, poor operational efficiency policy, limited power sector reforms, institutional and political barriers in all countries were major issues. He urged all countries to build trust for political stability through dialogue.

“There is no will for consensus among countries to tackle energy security issue,” he said. “There is no proper regulatory framework to enhance relations. There is a need to set up a dedicated regional agency to steer dialogue and initiatives.”

Meanwhile, Arshad Abbasi, the energy adviser to SDPI, said Pakistan was faced with a shortage of gas, producing around 4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) against demand of over 6 bcfd. “All countries require reliable energy. Pakistan has huge potential of hydel power generation. It needs to be explored,” said Abbasi.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2015.

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COMMENTS (1)

Fraidoon | 8 years ago | Reply Dear Writer, With reference to the article "Energy projects to bring regional prosperity" published in which you have quoted Mr. Wardak's statement incorrect "Adviser to Afghanistan Ministry of Energy Alias Wardak said that Casa power import project from Tajikistan would meet the energy needs of Afghanistan and Pakistan". I as NBN (New Beginning Network) Deputy would like to state that the statement should be corrected. The power doesn't come only from Tajikistan, but Centeral Asia. Thank you for your understanding.

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