LAHORE: The federal government will set up three gas-based power projects of 3600MW in Punjab’s cities of Sheikhupura, Kasur and Jhang.
This was disclosed during a high-level meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Federal government will provide funds for two projects of 2400MW, while Punjab government will provide sources for one project of 1200MW. Ambassadors of China, Turkey, Italy, Spain and Greece besides commercial consulars of Canada, South Korea and Japan were also present in the meeting. Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Water and Power Kh Muhammad Asif, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi, Additional Secretary to PM, Federal Secretary Water and Power and concerned authorities were also present there.
The Chief Minister said that the government is doing serious efforts to tackle energy crisis. He said that government is working on priority basis for coping with the problem of shortage of electricity, revival of economy and elimination of terrorism. He said that power projects will be completed by 2017 for ridding the people of load shedding and supply of electricity to agriculture and industrial sector. He said that work is also in progress on coal, solar, hydel and other projects. He said that investment by friendly countries in energy projects will be welcomed.
Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that a meeting will be held in Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi where a briefing will be given to international companies and firms regarding gas based energy projects.
