Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is visiting Tajikistan today (Wednesday) to attend the launching ceremony of the CASA-1000 power project.
The PM is accompanied by the Minister for Water and Power/Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials.
The leaders from participating countries and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in the ceremony.
Under CASA-1000 Project, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will supply 1300 MW of electricity to Pakistan (1000 MW) and Afghanistan (300 MW) during the summer season. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.
The electricity purchased under this project will help mitigate electricity deficit of Pakistan in the summer season. In this period, there is surplus hydropower in Tajikistan and thus, the project will create a win-win situation for all.
CASA-1000 Project is a flagship project and the first of its kind that will link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in the electricity grid. The project will go a long way in regional integration, which is very important for the economic and social development of the region.
The Prime Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with the President of Tajikistan. The whole range of bilateral matters, including trade, energy cooperation, and defence cooperation will be discussed.
The leaders will also exchange views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest.