Power crisis: PM says govt keen to implement Casa-1000

Pakistan and Tajikistan hold delegation-level talks in Islamabad

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif claimed on Thursday implementation of Central Asia-South Asia 1,000MW power supply programme (Casa-1,000) was important to overcome the ongoing power crises in the country.

“Pakistan is keen for implementation of Casa-1000 project, and hopes the project will be completed by 2018,” Radio Pakistan quoted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as saying during the delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Tajikistan in Islamabad.

The Pakistani delegation was led by PM Nawaz Sharif while his Tajik counterpart President Emomali Rahmon led the other side in a meeting, which explored ways to promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.



“We want strong trade and economic relations with Tajikistan, with increased ground and air contacts with the central Asian republic,” the prime minister said, adding Pakistan gives importance to its relations with the central Asian countries.

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon is in Islamabad on a two-day visit, which is his sixth trip to Pakistan.

The two sides discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation in energy, security, trade, cultural and communication fields besides exchanging views to increase people to people contact between the two countries.



PM Nawaz and the Tajik president also held a one-on-one meeting, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

Expressing satisfaction over the steady increase in bilateral trade between the two countries, the prime minister said “the bilateral trade rose to $15 million in 2011 and $89 million in 2014.”

Earlier, upon his arrival, Emomali Rahmon was given an official reception at the Prime Minister’s House. The Tajik president was also given a guard of honour during which national anthems of both the countries were played.