- Chinese envoy calls on interim PM, says China supports Pakistan on mutual and international issues
ISLAMABAD: Interim Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Power to take steps to overcome the power outages and improve efficiency and sustainability of the system.
The interim PM gave these directions in a briefing on the power sector, attended by secretary Power Division and officials of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).
On administrative and technical issues resulting in high system losses and power theft, the prime minister expressed concern over the huge losses in various DISCOs [Distribution companies] and directed the power ministry to immediately start taking steps for the curtailment of those losses.
He said every effort would be made by the federal government to get the required administrative support from the provincial governments towards addressing enforcement issues in the power sector.
He observed that a comprehensive plan should be prepared which would help the next elected government in further improving efficiency and sustainability of the sector.
The secretary of Power Division briefed the prime minister about overall outlook of the power sector including generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the country.
He was also briefed about the current as well as anticipated power demand and supply situation. He was informed that as compared to 18,753 MW in 2013, the current available generation capacity stood at 28,704 MW.
Due to weather conditions and the resultant reduced water supply, the hydel generation in May 2018 remained at 3,090 MW as compared to 6,333 MW in 2015. Every effort is being made to ensure strict implementation of the load management plan, which was approved by the cabinet for the month of Ramzan.
CHINESE ENVOY CALLS ON CARETAKER PM: Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, Yao Jing called on PM Mulk at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday.
The Chinese Ambassador conveyed good wishes on behalf of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on assuming the office of the PM. The Chinese ambassador reiterated the strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and China and stated that China stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan on matters of mutual interests and international issues.
The PM thanked the Chinese Ambassador and conveyed good wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and the people of China on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan.
The prime minister appreciated the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), and stated that BRI will prove to be a major source of development for the people of this region.