Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on energy situation, here on Friday. The meeting took stock of overall energy situation and examined ways and means to improve it. It was decided in principle to take tangible measures both at increasing generation through energy mix and exploring alternate resources. The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft, rationalise tariff and minimise line losses.
The meeting was apprised by the energy experts about strategy and implementation of timelines for reduction of load shedding. The meeting was also informed that new comprehensive energy policy which includes short term, medium term and long term energy plan, would be ready by the end of this month as currently consultation is going on with all stakeholders.
The Prime Minister directed to take on board provinces in the consultative process. The meeting was informed that a comprehensive strategy for recovery of dues from defaulters has also been devised. It was also revealed that a highly professional project management office is being established in the Ministry which includes a policy and an implementation cell.
The project management office shall supervise and review the progress on key policy decisions and energy implementation plan. It was decided that the Prime Minister will review energy situation on a weekly basis. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that with dedication, better management and facilitation of energy sector companies, the situation will improve in near future. He, however, directed that options of long term energy security must also be examined and practical steps should be taken in this regard.
The Prime Minister also directed to examine the possibility of importing energy from neighbouring countries to improve the situation on immediate basis. The Prime Minister also directed that providing special care and maximum relief to the common man must be the top most consideration at the time of rationalisation of tariff.
The meeting was attended by Shahbaz Sharif Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Ishaq Dar Minister for Finance, Pervez Rashid Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Minister for Petroleum, Khawaja Muhammad Asif Minister for Water and Power, Dr Mussadiq Malik SAPM, Shaukat Tarin, Nadeem Babar, Miftah Ismail and Zayad Basheer. -PR