The Punjab province is the most populated province of Pakistan, and also one of the richest. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is not as developed and rich, but the province has suitable landscape to generate more than 50,000 MW power. Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif has stated that the Punjab province does not have many opportunities for cost effective hydel power generation and the government is pursuing more expensive solar energy, w1hile the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is looking for investors to help fund and develop their hydel projects.
Therefore the two provinces should develop a mechanism where Punjab province funds the hydel project constructed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 50-50 partnership. The electricity produced is also distributed on 50-50 partnership. This way the projects will be funded quickly, water will be conserved earlier, electricity rates will go down and the entire nation of Pakistan will benefit from this development.
ENGR MOHAMMAD BASEER KHAN
Peshawar
