PM says ending energy crisis is his priority

Hopes fast track constructions of power projects to significantly help overcome the crisis

ISLAMABAD: Expressing hope that fast track constructions of power projects will significantly help overcome the energy crisis, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has claimed that addressing energy shortfall is his government’s top priority.

The PM was talking to Yan Zhiyong – chairman board of directors and president of the Power Construction Corporation of China – who called on the prime minister along with a delegation on Friday.

According to a statement released by the PM House, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan was fully committed to the timely and effective implementation of all the projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"We thank Chinese ministries and institutions for their support in making the CPEC a reality," he said.



Sharif said the government will extend full cooperation for early execution of the ongoing projects and invited the Power China to explore investment opportunities in transmission lines and hydro power projects including water reservoirs and power generation components.

Yan Zhiyong informed the PM that 100 young engineers from Pakistan have been trained in China on various power sector streams and they will now work on the Port Qasim Power Project during its life of over 25 years.

He said Power China also intends to further impart training to Pakistani professionals as part of experience sharing and capacity building programme.

Yan Zhiyong said China-Pakistan cooperation would continue and the power projects would become a source of strengthened partnership between the two countries.



World Health Day

In his message on the occasion of World Health Day,  Nawaz Sharif has also reiterated his government's resolve to further improve the healthcare system of Pakistan.

"Healthcare remains top most priority agenda in the social sector. The goals of development cannot be realised without taking steps towards building a healthy nation," Sharif said.

He said his government launched PM's National Health Programme (PMNHP) in 2015 with the objective to provide universal health coverage through cash-less health insurance scheme for the poor to enable them to access needed health-care services.

The PM said so far more than 1.6 million families have been enrolled in the PMNHP and more than18,000 individuals have been treated for various illnesses from empanelled hospitals.