‘Resolution of energy crisis a top priority’

Our goal is to eliminate load shedding by 2018, Khawaja Asif says


APP May 16, 2016
Electricity was restored in various parts of Gilgit on Wednesday after four days of blackout. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD SAQIB/EXPRESS

SIALKOT: Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said on Sunday the government was committed to resolving the energy crisis.

Talking to APP at Pakistan Muslim League House, he said investment in power generation programmes had been prioritised.

“Our goal is to eliminate load shedding by 2018,” he said. The minister said the government had been taking steps to improve power generation.

“Over the last two years, there has been a sizeable reduction in load shedding hours as a result of these efforts,” he said.

“The government was elected on the promise that it would resolve the energy crisis and steer the economy towards growth and prosperity. We are committed to this,” he said.

“We have launched projects for short-term and medium term in the energy sector. This has had a stabilising effect on industrial production,” he said.

Asif said the federal government was also investing in improving means of communication in rural areas.

“We want to improve living standards of residents of rural areas,” he said.

The minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would usher in economic stability and prosperity.

“The Gwadar port, too, will play a pivotal role in strengthening our economy,” he added.

Earlier, addressing the citizens at an open court, the minister said the federal and provincial governments were utilising all available resources for timely completion of projects.

The minister also listened to complaints and ordered officers of the departments concerned to resolve them.

MPAs Khawaja Muhammad Manshaullah Butt and Chaudary Muhammad Ikram were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2016.

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