Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed relevant agencies to further reduce electricity tariffs and speed up the implementation of action plans for future power generation projects.
Presiding over a meeting to assess and discuss the country’s electricity and power plans, the chief minister said priority should be given to low-cost energy projects based on local resources.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed about the progress of the hydroelectric project taking place throughout the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the low-cost power project will generate clean and affordable electricity for the environment.
In addition to that, he said, the existing power plant capacity should also be converted to solar energy.
Electricity around the world is produced from environmentally friendly, low-cost solar energy, he said, adding that Pakistan is lucky in this regard as a country with huge potential for solar energy.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of inefficient power plants that consume more fuel but produce less electricity.
He ordered the immediate closure of such old power plants, saying that the closure of these plants would not only save valuable foreign exchange but also reduce electricity costs for consumers.
The Prime Minister has ordered immediate action against all officials who are deliberately obstructing reforms in the energy sector.
He also ordered the acceleration of reforms in the electricity transmission system.
The Prime Minister said that the electricity transmission system should be upgraded according to international standards.
In addition, he led the rapid introduction of systems based on modern technology for the selection and transmission of low-cost electricity.
The Prime Minister was directed to complete all measures for the reform of the energy sector within a certain period of time.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister Ahad Khan Chema, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, State Minister Ali Perwaiz Malik and other relevant dignitaries.
