Energy remains one of the top civilian assistance priority when it comes to Pakistan for the Obama administration, an US official said, as the Nawaz Sharif-led Government in Islamabad gave final shape to the new energy policy for the country.
"We have seen the reports of Pakistan's new energy policy. While we would refer you to the government of Pakistan regarding the details of the strategy, the US shares Pakistan's objective of supporting stability and prosperity in Pakistan and energy remains the United States' top civilian assistance priority for Pakistan," a State Department spokesperson told PTI.
The new energy policy formulated by the Pakistani government lead by the Prime Minister Sharif is said to be aimed to address the massive shortage of electricity in the country by attracting foreign direct investment and importing electricity from India, Iran and the Central Asian States in three years.
The United States in the past four years has focused primarily on addressing the energy needs of Pakistan. With the assistance of US, nine hundred megawatt electricity will be added in the Pakistan's National grid this year, benefiting about two million households.
The US has also extended assistance to Pakistan for reformation and extension of various existing power projects.
These include extension in Mangla and Tarbela Dams besides expanding Guddo' Jamshoro and Muzaffargarh power stations. The Obama administration is also supporting Pakistan in construction of Sat Para and Gomal Zam dams.
