Coal power plants project Sahiwal will be completed in 2017: CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting here today which was also attended by Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq. The meeting reviewed various projects in energy sector especially coal power plants in Sahiwal and it was agreed to make speedy progress on this project.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that serious efforts are being made for resolving energy problem. He said that work is in progress expeditiously on coal power plants in Sahiwal with the cooperation of China and the project will be completed in 2017. He said that government is also working on power generation projects based on renewable sources. He said that during the recent visit to China, it was agreed to accelerate work on ongoing energy projects as well as new projects. He said that Punjab government has completed a 100 megawatt solar project, which is the first and the biggest project of its kind in the country, with its own resources and it will soon be inaugurated.

Shahbaz Sharif further said that federal and provincial governments have also decided to establish gas-based power projects of 3600 megawatt in the province. He said that Punjab government will set up a 1200 megawatt power generation project while the federal government will establish 2400 megawatt energy projects which will be operated with gas. He said that government is sparing no effort for overcoming energy crisis and several projects of power generation will be operational till the end of 2017. The Chief Minister said that people of Pakistan are waiting for the visit of Chinese President during which foundation stone of a number of projects will be laid. He said that darkness will be removed from the country with the cooperation of China. He said that a system is being evolved for the supply of coal to Sahiwal coal power plants from Karachi Port. Shahbaz Sharif said that the concerned departments should take necessary measures speedily for the supply of coal to the power plants.

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq said that Ministry of Railways will extend all out cooperation for the supply of coal.

Additional Chief Secretary Energy gave a detailed briefing on Sahiwal coal power projects.

Chief Secretary Punjab, Federal Secretary/ Chairperson Railways, officials of the company working on Sahiwal Coal Power Project, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, General Manager Railways, NEPRA, NTDC and senior officials of Port Qasim as well as concerned officers attended the meeting.