Let me join in felicitating the Attock Group of Companies for this venture in the field of power generation which is one of the key goals of the preset government. This inauguration ceremony of 165 MW Attock Gen Limited (AGL) power generation plant is a moment of pride for all of us.
Energy sector plays a key role in the development and growth of a countrys economy. Today, Pakistans economic growth is seriously affected by the fast increasing gap between supply and demand of energy resources, electricity in particular. While the government has provided a framework to encourage investment, the private sector is yet to rise to the challenge.
The widening gap between supply and demand of electricity has caused immense problems for the people of our country. The government is giving specific attention to overcome the energy shortage in the country by formulating short and long term measures and mobilising all the available resources in this regard. It is also encouraging the local and foreign power generating companies to invest in this sector.
To cater to the energy needs, we have to explore and develop our power generation resources in order to keep pace with the projected rate of socio-economic progress and prosperity in the country. This is the reason the government is focusing on the development of power generation resources on an urgent basis, in the public as well as the private sector, so that the momentum of development should accelerate.
Completion of AGL, therefore, is in line with the Governments priorities, and this important project is a milestone in our commitment to the nation for its economic growth and in meeting countrys power needs. I would like to assure the Attock Group of maximum governmental support and feel confident that the Attock Group will continue to play its proactive role towards economic development and prosperity of Pakistan.