Shortage of electricity has affected national economy as well as every sector of life and it is essential to resolve energy crisis for the promotion of industrial, economic and trade activities, said Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif while talking to a delegation of General Electric International on Thursday. General Electric International Commercial Director Salman Khan, General Electric Pakistan President Saram Khan, Member Provincial Assembly Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Energy additional chief secretary, Law secretary, Planning and Development secretary, NTDC Managing Director and officials concerned were present. Matters pertaining to operating the non-operational power plants in Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan were discussed in the meeting.
Talking to the delegation, the chief minister said that government is taking measures on emergent basis for coping with the issue of shortage of electricity and energy projects are being implemented without wasting any time. He said that all out measures are being taken for resolving the problem of shortage of electricity. He said that a number of agreements have been signed with local and foreign energy companies and investors for cooperation in energy sector. The Chief Minister said that cooperation of General Electric International in energy sector would be welcome.
The CM said that speedy completion of power generation projects is the top priority of the government and all possible steps are being taken for this purpose. He said that special incentives are being offered to local and foreign investors for investment in energy sector and maximum facilities are being provided to them under one roof. He said that necessary measures are being taken for the implementation of the agreements for cooperation in energy sector. The CM said that besides launching of new projects, up-gradation of transmission system is also necessary and due attention will have to be paid in this direction. He said that steps are also being taken for the capacity-building of the institutions in energy sector. He said that work is being carried out expeditiously on the projects of generation of electricity through solar, hydel, coal, biomass, biogas and other resources. He said that Nandipur Power Project is being implemented speedily and every effort is being made for its early completion. He said that every moment of the nation is precious and energy projects will have to be completed without wasting any time.
Officials of General Electric International said that their company wants to promote cooperation with Punjab government in energy sector. Commercial Director Salman Khan gave a briefing regarding rehabilitation of non-operational plants in Multan, Lahore and Faisalabad. He said that 750 megawatt electricity can be generated by reviving these projects which will help accelerate industrial process in Faisalabad, Multan and Lahore. He said that rehabilitation of these power plants would increase productivity of textile sector as well as reduce load-shedding in these cities.
