This was discussed in a meeting on Friday between the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Mashaallah Shakeri, and Ashraf, who took up various matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation, particularly the import of 1,000MW of electricity.
The ambassador briefed the minister on recent developments about the power import project and the current status of transmission line being laid from Iran to Gwadar. The ambassador also spoke about his meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on power import.
Both the minister and ambassador agreed to further expedite the project. They also agreed that delegations of technical experts from both sides will visit each other’s country.
Ashraf expressed the view that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project will also help reduce the cost of power generation. He said Pakistan is focusing on changing its energy mix in the national grid and taking all possible steps to enhance hydel and alternative energy generation so that affordable power could be provided to consumers.
They also discussed proposed Iran-Pakistan-Turkey railway line, Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and other areas of cooperation.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2010.
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