The government of NWFP on Wednesday decided to hold an international donor conference to table 17 mega hydel power projects before the investors to entice them into investing in the huge projects to help counter severe power crisis prevalent in the province. The decision was taken during a meeting of the provincial cabinet, which met here with the Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti.
Briefing the media, the NWFP Minister for Information - Mian Iftikhar Hussein said that the projects would be initiated at Gharat Soor, Lasht Chitral, Korag, Prayat Chitral, Laspoor, Maryagram Chitral, Markani Khazana Dir, Brikot, Patharak Shringal, Shago Kach Dir, Ghorbanada Shangla, Non Dhair Batgram, Arkari Gol Chitral, Shoshi Zandoli Chitral, Shogar Saind Chitral, Naram Dam Manshera, Batakundi Mansehra, Astronabi Chitral, Machi Gram Shogar Chitral and Balakot Mansehra district. On completion these projects would produce 2,038 MW electricity.
The cabinet also approved construction of various hydel power projects, apprised Iftikhar adding that the government has approved a number of hydle projects to cater the electricity needs of industries, agriculture sector and the general public.
The approved projects, he said included Mataltan, Koto, Jabori, Karoor, Samargah Kohistan and Sharmai hydle projects. Three mega hydle power projects in Machai Malakand, Ronaliya Kohistan and Darakhwar Swat would be completed with the assistance of Asian Development Bank with eighty percent share, while NWFP government will provide 20 percent share from its ADP. These mega projects would produce 51 percent electricity and would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 56 billion in four years, said the provincial minister for information.
Regarding the renaming of the province, he said that Pakhtunkhwa was the most appropriate name for the NWFP as the provincial assembly has already passed two resolutions in favour of it in the past. "ANP will not have any objection to Afghania or Pakhtunistan names for NWFP if some body has objection or reservations on Pakthunkhwa", said Mian Iftikhar. He said the people of NWFP want an identity of their own.
He also said that those elements, who were supporting terrorists, are not the well wishers of the country. The NWFP government's spokesman expressed sorrow over the demise of student Adnan Khan during protests staged in Peshawar University and demanded arrest of the student's killer. He also assured to take up this matter with the Governor of the province.