Upgradation of Power Distribution System Discussed

Prof Ahsan Iqbal, federal minister for planning, development and reforms, chaired the meeting of Steering Committee on Energy Projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif, Secretary Planning Hasan Nawaz Tarar, Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi and representatives from ministry of railways and economic affairs division.

The steering committee has been constituted by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif under the chairmanship of Ahsan Iqbal to expedite work on energy projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on war-footing basis after the recent visit of high-level delegation led by the chief minister Punjab and federal minister for planning to China.

The meeting reviewed feasibility studies of energy projects under CPEC; demand and supply framework of ongoing and new projects; integrated plan for generation, transmission and distribution; payment modalities of power purchase agreements; curtailing power losses and integrated coal logistics plan for coal power projects.

While addressing the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal stated that CPEC is a key initiative, which will help Pakistan in meeting energy shortfall and linking it with regional economies, particularly China. He said that Chinese government is keen to pursue the CPEC and has shown trust in the government’s policies. However, he said, “We will have to deliver results according to strict timelines and work on full capacity to avail this historic window of opportunity.” Ahsan stated that during his recent visit to China along with the chief minister of Punjab, the delegation sensitised Chinese authorities to prioritise Pakistan’s energy projects. The Chinese government expressed its full commitment to help Pakistan overcome energy challenge.

The minister also shed light on the importance of Gaddani Energy Park, which has been dedicated as Pak-China Energy Park, which will be the country’s biggest energy projects with 6,600-megawatt capacity.

Ahsan stressed on integration of work to bring about synergy. He called for an integrated plan for coal logistics for energy projects and also directed the committee...