PM Abbasi directs to fast-tracking water storage projects

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday directed the Water Resource Division to plan water storage projects on fast-track while reiterating commitment of the government to end loadshedding and strive for a bright future of Pakistan.

Chairing a meeting on energy sector here at the PM Office, he said, "There is no room for non-optimal solution in our energy framework."

He The Prime Minister also directed the Power and Petroleum Divisions to formulate roadmap to reduce usage of thermal power sources and asked them to focus on natural gas and domestic coal for energy production.

"Our government is striving to achieve a balanced mix for the country's energy requirements. Maximum utilization of Thar coal reserves should be ensured to provide affordable energy for consumers," he added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Power, Abid Sher Ali, Minister of State for Petroleum, Jam Kamal Khan and senior officials.

Secretary Power Division and Secretary Petroleum Division briefed the Prime Minister on energy sector projects and load management plan.

The Prime Minister, while elaborating the rationale of distribution of work among ministries, said water security was an important concern for the government and people.

He said a dedicated ministry for water resources was required to handle these issues and to cater for improved management of water resources, a separate ministry was essential.

Regarding the creation of new Ministry of Energy, the Prime Minister stated that it was necessary to remove firewall between the Petroleum and Power sectors which were otherwise linked for a common objective of energy security in the country.