Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of looming water crisis in the country in the wake of Indus Water Treaty violations by India.
He said that the government was cognizant of the issue and would raise the violations by India at every forum.
While speaking at a function on Tuesday to mark the Foundation Day of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the minister said that the electricity crisis in the country would be curbed in the next three years after enough electricity would be added to the national grid from the underconstruction power projects.
While taking about the slump in oil prices in the country, Asif said that the government was making all the necessary efforts trickle down the benefit to masses. He said that the slash in oil prices will also help the country in saving around $3 billion in foreign exchange.
While emphasising the need of judicious use of energy sources, the minister said that around 1600 megawatts (MW) of electricity could be saved if people use the electricity prudently.
He said that the people have become used to wasting energy through sheer carelessness. He said that except for Pakistan nowhere in the world big markets and shopping mall remain open till late nights.
Asif said that the power ministry was not mulling over slashing electricity bills in the light of the lower oil prices and instead the “saved money” would be used to retire the hydraheaded circular debt, which surfaces every now and then.
Asif said that the government was working on a longterm plan to rid the country of electricity crisis by investing in coal and gasbased projects.
The minister said that nobody was paying attention to the looming water crisis in the country and it could be overcome only through construction of dams and reservoirs.
While taking about Bhasha Dam, Asif said that compensations equivalent to the land price of Islamabad were being paid to the affected people.
While talking about the scope and work of the Planning Commission, the minister said in a lighter mood that had there had been a planning commission during the reign of Mughal rulers, no Taj Mahal would have been constructed and resources would have been diverted on peoples’ welfare.
