Govt focusing on alternative energy resources: minister

Minister says use of wind and solar energy is key to end shortfall

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Energy Dr Muhammad Akhtar Malik on Sunday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-e-Insaf (PTI) government was focusing on the promotion of wind and solar energy to ensure uninterrupted power supply to industry and only productive and efficient energy projects would be prioritised to facilitate the masses.

He expressed these views while visiting three-day mega “Interiors Pakistan” international exhibition organised by Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) at the Expo Centre. PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq was also present on this occasion. The minister said the previous governments did nothing practically to end energy crisis which badly affected the industrial growth and national economy.

He said the promotion of the use of wind and solar energy has now become vital to overcoming “the menace of inherited energy crisis” in the country. Dr Akhtar said it was the need of the hour that both Diamir and Bhasha dams be constructed to avert the anticipated water crisis in coming years. He said the government was facing multiple challenges but the government would make organised efforts to cope up with them successfully and lift the living standard of masses.

He hailed PFC Chief Mian Kashif Ashfaq for conducting a series of Interiors Pakistan exhibitions across the country in which local and foreign investors participated. He said these exhibitions helped the country boost its export volume besides disseminating a soft image of Pakistan in international markets. He also urged the furniture producers to focus on the promotion of advanced research and development in their export-oriented sector for exploring and capturing the international trade markets as well.

The minister reiterated the government's resolve to convert all government buildings into 'green buildings', saying that the Punjab Energy Department would set the example by first making its own buildings energy-efficient.

PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq said the PTI government was taking all steps to promote exports of the country. He said the PFC was always ready to help the government in promoting local industry and contributing in the construction of dams.

He also told the minister the PFC started planting trees across the province in order to achieve the maximum preservation and management of forests. “Our exports declined due to a three-fold rise in the cost of timber used for furniture export and competition with foreign exporters,” he said.

He vowed that the PFC would plant one million saplings in the next five years to help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, regulate water cycles and increase the green cover across the country.

The energy minister appreciated the efforts of the PFC and assured him of all his support for plantation in order to support the furniture industry. Later, the minister visited stalls of exquisite furniture items and interior decoration. He also encouraged young entrepreneurs and praised their innovative furniture designs which captured the attention of visitors.