ISLAMABAD: Experts in seminar have said that the government can overcome power crisis through Thar coal that is the most feasible option and a cost effecting project.
Former Survey of Pakistan Sayed director general Hasan Guhar, Planning Commission ex-member Pervez Butt and Institution of Engineers Pakistan Islamabad-Rawalpindi chapter President Engr Hussain Ahmed Siddiqui also spoke on the occasion and said that coal reserves have the capability to produce 50,000 MW of energy which can easily cope with the difficulty the country is facing. It will take a one-time initial expense, and as a result the country can become self-sufficient in power production.
The seminar, organized by IEP -Islamabad center (IEP-RIC) was attended by high-ranking engineers and experts who during their deliberations and question-answer session recommended to the government to undertake the project on priority basis, since this is only solution to give relief to the people from persistent load-shedding.
The speakers were of the view that a political decision is required at the government level to avail this option. Hydel and nuclear power projects will take atleast five to eight years to get operational and moreover the electricity from these sources will also be much expensive. In such a situation, electricity cost will go beyond the reach of the common man.
In his key-note address, Sayad Hasan Gauhar emphasized that government should attract investors from home and abroad by giving them maximum incentives for this lucrative project. The project could be turned into profitable in a short span of time. He hoped, it would create large-scale employment opportunities for the local people as well.
Pervaiz Butt was of the view that the professionals and technical experts should be involved in executing such mega projects. “ Proper skill, expertise and knowledge are pre-requisite for this purpose”, they added.
