The fifth US-Pakistan Energy Working Group, part of the strategic dialogue framework, will meet in Washington today (Tuesday) to foster co-operation in energy sector and help Pakistan overcome power shortage. The energy working group, reenergized during Secretary Kerry's August visit to Pakistan, will be co-hosted by Ambassador Carlos Pascual, US Special Envoy and Co-ordinator for International Energy Affairs and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif.
According to the notice to the press released by the office of the spokesperson of US Department of State, the working group will foster co-operation in Pakistan's energy sector, including power generation, renewable energy, gas, and reform priorities. "The United States and Pakistan have worked closely and on a sustained basis to better develop and diversify Pakistan's energy sector, a key priority of the Pakistani government and people," the spokesperson said. The United States has supported increased energy generation, improved distribution, management, revenue collection, and policy reforms. Since October 2009, the United States has helped add 1,000 megawatts of capacity to Pakistan's grid - enough to supply electricity for more than 16 million people.