Pakistan is in dire need of alternate sources of energy as shortage of energy is a major stumbling block in economic revival and self-sufficiency in food production, said Zaka Ashraf, president Zarai Traqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).
In a meeting with German delegation led by Councillor of Ratingen City Germany, Abdul Ghafoor Bhatti, he said Pakistan needed international co-operation in developing energy infrastructure.
The discussion focused specifically on country's deficient and much needed energy sources required for rapid agricultural and industrial growth.
"We must seek the co-operation and assistance of Germany for exploration of other sources of energy like solar energy", Zaka Ashraf remarked. The use of solar energy can help the country not only to meet the domestic energy requirement but also in introducing solar operated windmills for water lifting and water pumps, he added.
The German delegates showed their keen interest in transfer of solar technology and necessary technical assistance to help cope with the challenges of energy shortage being faced by the agriculture sector of Pakistan. Earlier, the president ZTBL gave a detailed presentation on bank's operational activities and business plan for agriculture development and its financing to support the government's commitments to alleviate rural poverty and economic revival through agriculture growth.