Powering up: ‘Thar coal will cover Pakistan’s energy crisis’
Pakistan requires annual loans of up to $1.2 billion from the US over next five years to build infrastructure Thar.
KARACHI:
The Thar Coal Project will take care of the energy needs of all of Pakistan, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told deputations in his office on Saturday.
Pakistan will require a loan of up to $1.2 billion annually from the United States for the next five years to build infrastructure in Thar. “Foreign investors, especially our old ally China, showed great interest in the project,” said Memon. The information minister said that “hopefully” Thar power generation will begin in 2015 or 2016. Meanwhile, the government is “taking steps to ensure that the project goes smoothly”.
He declared the impression that the government is only working towards bettering a few favourites is wrong. The future of Pakistan depends on the Thar Coal Project which will open up many jobs for Sindh. The people will soon hear good news, he said. The project will take merit into consideration, he said. “The government is trying its best to provide the people of Thar and Sindh with the benefits of this project.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2011.
Correction: An earlier version of the article mistakenly ran 'she said' after a quote from the minister rather than 'he said'. The correction has been made.
The Thar Coal Project will take care of the energy needs of all of Pakistan, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told deputations in his office on Saturday.
Pakistan will require a loan of up to $1.2 billion annually from the United States for the next five years to build infrastructure in Thar. “Foreign investors, especially our old ally China, showed great interest in the project,” said Memon. The information minister said that “hopefully” Thar power generation will begin in 2015 or 2016. Meanwhile, the government is “taking steps to ensure that the project goes smoothly”.
He declared the impression that the government is only working towards bettering a few favourites is wrong. The future of Pakistan depends on the Thar Coal Project which will open up many jobs for Sindh. The people will soon hear good news, he said. The project will take merit into consideration, he said. “The government is trying its best to provide the people of Thar and Sindh with the benefits of this project.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2011.
Correction: An earlier version of the article mistakenly ran 'she said' after a quote from the minister rather than 'he said'. The correction has been made.