ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: China has agreed in principle to offer four to six nuclear power plants to Pakistan and the issue is expected to be finalised during President Hu Jintao’s visit to Islamabad next month.

Sources told Dawn on Tuesday that an understanding to this effect had been reached between the two countries when President Gen Pervez Musharraf visited China in February this year.

Pakistan, trying to meet its target of generating 88,000MW nuclear power by 2030, has asked China for 600MW and 1,000MW power plants which are deemed cost-effective with good output.

China has already supplied two nuclear power plants of 300MW capacity each to Pakistan; Chasma-1 has been commissioned while Chasma-2 is in the process of being set up.

Chinese officials, during their visit to Pakistan in December in connection with the concrete-pouring ceremony at Chashma-2, had assured authorities here that more nuclear power plants would be provided to the country.

“We will enhance our cooperation with Islamabad, particularly in setting up nuclear power plants in Pakistan,” a source quoted one of those Chinese officials as saying.

The source said there were indications that the issue would figure in talks between the two presidents, adding that Beijing looked considerate to oblige Pakistan despite being a member of the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group which does not encourage offering nuclear power to non-member countries.

Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri told journalists on Monday that the Chinese president’s would be a ‘very successful visit’.

The sources said the issue was again discussed with the Chinese leadership when President Musharraf visited Beijing on June 15 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

This time, Pakistan’s emphasis will be on the immediate purchase of two power plants so that Pakistan’s growing energy requirements could be met to some extent.