Burning power bills can’t end blackouts: Nawaz
PM laments politicisation of Kissan package
PM Nawaz underscores a point at the ground breaking of the Bhikki power plant in Sheikhupura. PHOTO: APP
LAHORE:
In an apparent swipe at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that the country‘s power woes cannot be solved by torching power bills or by issuing speeches from atop a container.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1,180 megawatt Bhikki power plant in Sheikhupura on Friday, Nawaz said that his government was not only trying to end the energy crisis, but also in a way that lowered energy prices.
Nawaz said that those criticising the government just for the sake of criticism were not serving the people. Without naming the PTI, he said those hurling abuse at him or his government should at least adopt a decent language.
He also denied having ever promised to end load-shedding within six months of his election.
“Some people attribute this statement to me that I had announced ending the power shortages in six months. When did I say this during my election campaign?” Nawaz asked, before clarifying: “I said electricity shortage will be over in five years of our government’s tenure and we are working towards that.”
The premier said that the Bhikki power project, expected to be completed by the end of 2017, had been estimated to cost Rs95 billion in its initial proposal by NEPRA, but they rationalised the cost. “The cost of this project was estimated to have been Rs95 billion, but it will be completed in Rs55 billion.”
“Media should ask why the project will be completed for far less than the approved cost by NEPRA.” He added that the project would save Rs360 billion over its 30 year life. Further, work on Bhikki and two other power projects would help save the exchequer a whopping Rs1.08 trillion.
Nawaz also criticised opposition to the Kissan bailout package, vowing to take it up in court. “Our Rs341 billion package was meant for small-scale farmers,” Nawaz said as he lamented politicization of the programme. “Opponents linked it (Kissan package) to the local government elections at the expense of farmers.”
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Bhikki project will be completed utilising funds of the province, while it has been jointly commissioned to Harben Electric International of China and General Electric of US.
While promising transparency in the construction of Bhikki power plant, he said that two other power projects of 1,200MW each will be constructed in Hawali Bahadar Shah and Balloki. The Punjab chief minister added that the projects will help end load-shedding in the country.
He also criticised detractors of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that work had started on projects under the multi-billion dollar programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2015
In an apparent swipe at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that the country‘s power woes cannot be solved by torching power bills or by issuing speeches from atop a container.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1,180 megawatt Bhikki power plant in Sheikhupura on Friday, Nawaz said that his government was not only trying to end the energy crisis, but also in a way that lowered energy prices.
Nawaz said that those criticising the government just for the sake of criticism were not serving the people. Without naming the PTI, he said those hurling abuse at him or his government should at least adopt a decent language.
He also denied having ever promised to end load-shedding within six months of his election.
“Some people attribute this statement to me that I had announced ending the power shortages in six months. When did I say this during my election campaign?” Nawaz asked, before clarifying: “I said electricity shortage will be over in five years of our government’s tenure and we are working towards that.”
The premier said that the Bhikki power project, expected to be completed by the end of 2017, had been estimated to cost Rs95 billion in its initial proposal by NEPRA, but they rationalised the cost. “The cost of this project was estimated to have been Rs95 billion, but it will be completed in Rs55 billion.”
“Media should ask why the project will be completed for far less than the approved cost by NEPRA.” He added that the project would save Rs360 billion over its 30 year life. Further, work on Bhikki and two other power projects would help save the exchequer a whopping Rs1.08 trillion.
Nawaz also criticised opposition to the Kissan bailout package, vowing to take it up in court. “Our Rs341 billion package was meant for small-scale farmers,” Nawaz said as he lamented politicization of the programme. “Opponents linked it (Kissan package) to the local government elections at the expense of farmers.”
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Bhikki project will be completed utilising funds of the province, while it has been jointly commissioned to Harben Electric International of China and General Electric of US.
While promising transparency in the construction of Bhikki power plant, he said that two other power projects of 1,200MW each will be constructed in Hawali Bahadar Shah and Balloki. The Punjab chief minister added that the projects will help end load-shedding in the country.
He also criticised detractors of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that work had started on projects under the multi-billion dollar programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2015