ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement for construction of Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said that Prime Minister Imran Khan witnessed the signing of the agreement with China's Gezhouba for Azad Pattan Hydropower Project at a ceremony.

As part of the CPEC, with an investment of US$1.5 billion and 700.7 megawatts of electricity, Azad Pattan will involve no fuel import, enabling the country to move towards cheaper and greener power, while generating local job opportunities.

The project is located at River Jhelum and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Addressing the signing ceremony of the agreement, the prime minister said the CPEC project would prove to be a milestone in the country's development and prosperity.

Signing of implementation agreement was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Energy, led by Planning Minister Asad Umar on June 20th of Azad Pattan hydropower project, said an official.

Another summary was moved by the Power Division in a few days to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC0 of the Cabinet titled, "Revised Standard Security Package Documents" Kohala Hydropower Project, and Azad Pattan Hydropower Project as well as Mahl Hydropower project, all on Jhelum River, Azad Kashmir.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020