PM Nawaz leaves for Tajikistan to attend launch ceremony of CASA-1000 project

During his two-day visit, Premier Nawaz will discuss matters of importance with Tajik leadership

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday departed for Tajikistan to attend the launching ceremony of the much-awaited Central Asia South Asia (Casa) 1,000 power Power Project.

During his two-day visit, PM Nawaz will discuss matters of importance with Tajik leadership, including bilateral matters, trade, energy and defence cooperation, Radio Pakistan reported.



He will also exchange views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Leaders from participating countries and other stakeholders are expected to attend the ceremony.

The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the prime minister Tariq Fatemi.

Under CASA-1000 Project, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will supply 1000 MW of electricity to Pakistan and 300 MW to Afghanistan during the summer season.

The project to be completed by 2018 will go a long way in regional integration.



According to a government official, Casa-1,000 will help Pakistan get cheaper and clean energy to minimise electricity shortages and build close economic relations with countries in the region, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

He said the project was feasible despite the security situation in Afghanistan and it would help demonstrate Kabul’s viability as a transit country linking the two regions.

The CASA-1000 Project is a flagship project and the first of its kind that will link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in electricity grid.