Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis and the government is taking effective measures for coping with this problem, like working on a number of projects on generation of electricity from both hydel and coal.
He also said that negotiations are also being held with China in this regard while Independent Power Producer Forum has also visited Punjab and expressed keen interest in investment in energy sector.
He was addressing a high level meeting here on Monday, to review Punjab Power Generation Policy 2006, disclosed an official. The chief minister also said that Pakistan is facing a deficit of more than 4500MW at present and there is a dire need for investment in this sector in the interest of agricultural and industrial sectors.
"Power shortage is also affecting our exports besides leaving a negative impact on various sectors. Though heavy borrowing were made in the past but instead of using this money on public welfare and power generation projects it was wasted on luxurious living which was a great disservice to the nation. Efforts have also been made for capacity-building and activating Punjab Power Development Board and experts have also been included," he added.
He also appreciated the services of senior minister Punjab for comprehensive amendment in Punjab Power General Policy and said these amendments are being sent to the cabinet for approval.