High level huddle in Islamabad deliberates over power crisis
Nawaz wants plans for importing electricity from neighbouring countries by June 20.
Prime minister Nawaz Sharif chairs a high level meeting on the prevailing power crisis. PHOTO: INP
ISLAMABAD:
With the government’s budget proposals for alleviating the acute power shortage in the cutry and mounting circular debt yet to be ratified, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on the national problem in Islamabad on Friday.
During the meeting, Nawaz directed to boost the National Grid’s generation capacity and to have special focus on overhauling the power plants particularly those often get troubled and nonfunctional due to technical faults.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing energy situation in the country and examined ways and means to improve it.
Nawaz has also decided to hold a special meeting on a weekly basis to review the energy situation.
Earlier, the premier was given a detailed briefing about power production and distribution by officials of water and power ministry. Energy experts gave details about strategy and implementation of timelines for reduction of load shedding as a major chunk of the meeting was spent deliberating on how to curb the circular debt within 60 days as per the commitment made in the federal fiscal budget for year 2013-14.
Importing power
The prime minister also directed the water and power ministry to develop a long term energy security policy and explore opportunities to import electricity from neighboring countries.
The officials were directed by the premier to present a detailed report before June 20 when the cabinet’s approval on plans will be sought.
Comprehensive power plan
The ministry of water and power officials told the premier that short-term, mid-term and long-term plans on power projects will be completed this month. Additionally, an action plan is also being finalised for recovery of power bills from defaulters.
The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft, rationalise tariff and minimise line losses.
The Prime Minister directed to take on board the provinces in the consultative process on the power plan.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and experts of energy sector.
With the government’s budget proposals for alleviating the acute power shortage in the cutry and mounting circular debt yet to be ratified, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on the national problem in Islamabad on Friday.
During the meeting, Nawaz directed to boost the National Grid’s generation capacity and to have special focus on overhauling the power plants particularly those often get troubled and nonfunctional due to technical faults.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing energy situation in the country and examined ways and means to improve it.
Nawaz has also decided to hold a special meeting on a weekly basis to review the energy situation.
Earlier, the premier was given a detailed briefing about power production and distribution by officials of water and power ministry. Energy experts gave details about strategy and implementation of timelines for reduction of load shedding as a major chunk of the meeting was spent deliberating on how to curb the circular debt within 60 days as per the commitment made in the federal fiscal budget for year 2013-14.
Importing power
The prime minister also directed the water and power ministry to develop a long term energy security policy and explore opportunities to import electricity from neighboring countries.
The officials were directed by the premier to present a detailed report before June 20 when the cabinet’s approval on plans will be sought.
Comprehensive power plan
The ministry of water and power officials told the premier that short-term, mid-term and long-term plans on power projects will be completed this month. Additionally, an action plan is also being finalised for recovery of power bills from defaulters.
The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft, rationalise tariff and minimise line losses.
The Prime Minister directed to take on board the provinces in the consultative process on the power plan.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and experts of energy sector.