Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns over persistent power outages in Pakistan and directed authorities to add 2400 MW by early next year.
Sharif chaired a joint ministerial meeting of the energy sector held at the PM's House yesterday to review the power supply situation in the country.
"The Prime Minister directed Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Water & Power and Finance Division to ensure that additional electricity of 2400-2500 MW comes to the system by February 2015," an official statement said.
Sharif said the demand of the people to have affordable electricity is justified and also a promise of his government.
He vowed to regularly chair meetings of relevant ministries for better coordination and to achieve desired results within the stipulated time-frame.
He said all those working in relevant departments have to work 24/7. He also said that any lapse will not go unpunished and any good work they do will not go unrewarded.
Sharif was also briefed about the status of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import and its availability for the power sector. He was told that first consignment will reach Pakistan by February and made available to the power sector.
He gave approval of making the consignment available to Kot Addu Power Plant which will produce 1200 MW, as well as four other private power plants Orient, Saif, Saphire and Halmore collectively producing 800 MW of electricity.
The consignment will also be provided to Jamshoro power plant for producing 400-500 MW of electricity.
The Projects, including Fast Track LNG Terminal, SSGC LNG Terminal, Gwadar Nawabshah LNG Terminal & Pipeline, Private LNG Terminals, GEI, PGPL and Bahria to import 2BCFD LNG, enough to generate up to 15000 MW, will be expedited.
He said line losses and theft of electricity should be controlled and serious steps be taken against theft of gas, irrespective of official status of the persons involved.
