Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will leave today (Wednesday) for a two-day visit to Tajikistan on the invitation of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon to attend the launching ceremony of CASA-1000 Power Project.
The prime minister will be accompanied by Minister for Water and Power and Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.
The leaders from the participating countries and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in the launching ceremony of CASA-1000.
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 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 economic and social development of the region.
The prime minister will also have a bilateral meeting with the president of Tajikistan. A range of bilateral matters, including trade, energy and defence cooperation will be discussed. The leaders will also exchange views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest.
