ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday said as a result of the concerted efforts by the government, power situation had improved significantly saving people from the inconvenience of unscheduled and forced load shedding.
He observed this while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy at the PM’s Office and reviewed power situation in the country.
The Water and Power secretary gave a detailed briefing on the demand and supply situation. He also presented projected figures for the power sector up to year 2023, according to a press release issued by the PM’s Media Office. Abbasi reviewed various outstanding issues regarding the upcoming power plants and gave instructions for expeditious completion of the ongoing power generation and transmission system in the country.
He was informed that 500KV Neelum- Jhelum transmission line would be completed by the end of September. Transmission line of the same capacities in Port Qasim and Thar Matiari would be completed by October 2017 and June 2018 respectively.
It was informed that 220KV Jhampir-TM Road transmission line had been energized. Gharo Jhampir line of 220KV, 132 KV Patrind Mansehra and 500 KV Baloki transmission lines would be completed in the year 2018.
While reviewing the current distribution system, the PM advised the Ministry of Water and Power to work out a comprehensive plan, in coordination with stakeholders, for reducing technical and commercial losses and making power distribution a viable sector.
Separately, a delegation of PML-N Members of the National Assembly from Faisalabad Division called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
The MNAs briefed him on development projects and public welfare schemes of their respective constituencies.
The PM emphasised that every effort should be made for expeditious completion of ongoing schemes. Developmental activities and public welfare projects undertaken during the present government were highlighted during the meeting.
Abbasi observed that elected representatives should reach out to the people of their constituencies and play their role more effectively to resolve local issues and challenges.
MNAs Ghulam Rasool Sahi, Asim Nazir, Shahbaz Babar, Mian Farooq, Nisar Jutt, Rana Afzal, Mian Abdul Manan, Akram Ansari, Qaiser Sheikh, Ghulam Muhammad Lali, Ghulam Bibi Bharwana, Sheikh Akram, Zazeer Sultan, Khalid Warraich, Asadur Rehman and Khalida Mansoor were part of the delegation.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Minister of State for Power Abid Sher Ali and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry were also present.
Published in Daily Times, September 7th 2017.
