Shahbaz Sharif pays a surprise visit to coal power project in Qadirabad

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif today paid a surprise visit to 1320-megawatt coal power project in Qadirabad, Sahiwal and reviewed the pace of progress of this important and big project of power generation. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that two coal-based energy projects of 660 megawatts each are being set up in Sahiwal and it is an important project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that the project will start energy generation during 2017.

The Chief Minister directed that besides maintaining a high standard, due attention should also be paid to speedy completion of the project for achieving the best results. He said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project will play an important role in removing darkness from the country with the help of China.

Shahbaz Sharif said that this project comprising two power plants of 620 megawatts each is another splendid example of Pak-China friendship and will further strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries.

He said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project is of vital national importance and work is being carried out expeditiously on this 1320 megawatts project. He said that Punjab government and the Chinese company will complete this project till 2017 through collective efforts. He said that most modern super critical power plants are being installed in Sahiwal which are environment-friendly and meet the environmental standards. He said that every moment is precious and there is no room for delay in the implementation of the project.

Shahbaz Sharif said that he is personally monitoring this project regularly and had come to the site of project for this reason. He said that this power plant is the biggest and first ever project of power generation with coal in Pakistan and Chinese companies have made investment in this project. He said that China’s huge investment in Pakistan is not merely an investment but a splendid gift for Pakistan which Pakistani people can never forget.

The Chief Minister said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project is the first drop of rain with regard to CPEC and will result in generation of much-needed electricity and elimination of darkness. He said that the historic economic package of China is a reflection of the confidence of Chinese President, Prime Minister and the leadership in Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the deep love for 20 crore people of Pakistan.

He said that the efforts for overcoming energy crisis with the cooperation of China will result in removing darkness from the country, promotion of industrial activities, generation of job opportunities besides poverty alleviation and this is the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said that the journey of progress and prosperity of Pakistan started with the cooperation of China will be continued and Pakistan will achieve its goal.

The Chief Minister was informed during a briefing that the machinery of coal power project has started reaching Karachi Port and steps are being taken for its speedy transportation to the site of the project. He was further told that work is in progress expeditiously on the project and it will be completed within stipulated period.