Our Top Priority Is Power Generation: PM

PAKISTAN, SHEIKHUPURA: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that government is continuously monitoring the demand and supply situation of power and is taking all possible steps to meet the demand for maintaining the momentum of growth and development.

Speaking after inaugurating 225 MW Atlas Power Plant at Sheikhupura road here on Saturday, he said, “While new avenues in all other development sectors are being opened, our main priority right now is power generation, which is the main mover of economy, and without which the development of other sectors is not possible.”

Chief Minsiter Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minsiter for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf and Senior Minsiter Punjab Raja Riaz were also present on the occasion.

He said, “Our commitment in the matter is reflected by the fact that we have formed a cabinet committee which is responsible for closely monitoring the power situation, besides reviewing the transmission and distribution losses and recommending efficiency improvement plans.”

The committee will also facilitate provision of enhanced supply of oil and gas to the power plants. The circular debt issue has almost been resolved.

The Prime Minsiter said, “ We are aware of the current power situation in the country where the nation is subjected to long hours of load shedding. Our government has accepted the challenge as total current deficit of electricity in the system stands at around 3,500 MW.”

He said the immediate solution to overcome this deficit is to install rental power plants adding “ Nation will witness that about 3500 MWs would be soon added to the national grid. The CEOs of the new IPPs have assured us timely completion of their projects.”

He said the government is working on a fast track to get the required megawatts, and today’s ceremony is proof of the fulfillment of our promise.