Meeting deadlines: PM for speedy completion of power projects

Says he must be apprised of progress.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday issued directions to authorities to utilise all resources for the completion of power projects in time.

He said this during a briefing held to review the energy situation and performance of the energy sector of Ministry of Water and Power in Islamabad.

The prime minister was briefed about long- and short-term power projects. He was also informed that work is under way on alternative energy resources and that foreign companies are also investing in the energy sector.

The prime minister said the transmission system of electricity must be improved to reduce loadshedding in the country.

Nawaz said, “The supply of electricity should be enhanced to industrial units in order to bridge the gap of energy supply.”

The status of the Jamshoro coal-based power plant, Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams and Tarbella extension project were also discussed in the meeting. The premier issues directions to increase the pace of work on these projects.



In order to overcome the energy shortage and provide affordable energy to the country, the prime minister said that more solar power projects should be explored. He also directed the Ministry of Water and Power to provide the projected demand and supply positions of electricity from 2014 to 2018 in order to adequately address the growing demand of power. The prime minister said he should be apprised of the implementation status of energy projects on a regular basis.

Cabinet Committee on Security meets today

Chaired by the premier, the country’s recently restored National Security Council is going to hold its first meeting today and is likely to review the draft of the national security policy, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The chief of the armed forces and cabinet members of the committee are expected to attend the meeting.

The situation following US drone strikes and the progress of talks with Taliban will also come under discussion during the meeting.

However, the focus of the meeting will be the resumption of Nato supplies through Pakistan, which are partially suspended through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2013.