ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasised the importance of energy sector for the economy, and stated that it was the government's responsibility to meet the energy requirements of all sectors.
The prime minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting to review the energy sector on Monday, and received a detailed briefing on the current situation of the energy sector - electricity and gas from the concerned ministry and the Petroleum Division.
The Minister for Energy Omer Ayub, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tabish Gohar, and secretary Ministry of Energy briefed the prime minister about the current situation of circular debt, a primary source of concern for the prime minister, and improvement in the transmission system.
Omer Ayub informed the meeting that keen interest was shown by investors in the power sector due to renewable energy policy.
Special assistant to the PM on petroleum informed the meeting about measures taken in the gas sector for the consumers' benefit.
The prime minister directed that all avenues should be explored to provide affordable electricity to the consumers. He also stated that work had been in progress to provide targeted subsidies to the power sector's consumers.
The prime minister also chaired a meeting to review the ML-1 project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The premier was presented details about the ML-1 project by the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Railways and others. The PM said the ML-1 project was a great example of PAK-China friendship and with the completion of the project would develop a modern and international standard communication infrastructure in the country, and lead to industrial development and creation of employment opportunities.
Under this project connectivity of sea ports with the land routes would lead to increase the country's exports.
The prime minister said ML-1 was the highest amount project under the CPEC.
The minister for Railways informed the prime minister with regards to integration plan of the ML-1 by the Railways ministry.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020