Govt prioritises CASA energy project completion
Energy Minister Awais Leghari. Photo: Online
Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional energy cooperation during a virtual address at the CASA-1000 Inter-governmental Council meeting held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Speaking to an audience comprising energy ministers and officials from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, representatives from international organisations and technical experts, Leghari underscored the strategic importance of the CASA-1000 power transmission project.
He emphasised its role in fostering sustainable energy trade, enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring energy security across Central and South Asia, while highlighting Pakistan's active involvement in its implementation. He remarked that CASA-1000 was not merely an energy transmission project; it was also a transformative initiative that would spark economic development, regional harmony and mutual trust across the region.
He stressed that timely completion of the project was a top priority for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "The project is critical not only for energy transmission but also for strengthening regional ties." The federal minister affirmed Pakistan's readiness to supply surplus electricity to partner countries during the winter season and proposed reverse energy flow within the CASA network.
He said that Pakistan's surplus electricity could play a vital role in fulfilling energy needs of Central Asian countries, adding that the network must be used effectively and transparently to ensure equal benefits for all partner nations.
He assured meeting participants that despite some delay, Pakistan had taken all necessary measures to safeguard the project's assets. Winding up his speech, Leghari reiterated that CASA-1000 was a key energy project that would lay the foundation for regional prosperity, stability and collaboration. "The successful completion of this initiative will demonstrate our shared commitment and guarantee a brighter future for the entire region."