ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has demanded that the centre assimilate the already-ripe 2,600MW power projects in the province into the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

In a detailed briefing before the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC on Monday, KP Energy Minister Mohammad Atif put forward his province’s demand, saying the provincial government had completed feasibility studies on 29 different hydel projects that will produce a total of 2,600MW.

“We demand that these power projects be made part of the CPEC,” the provincial minister said.

Talking to Dawn after the committee meeting, Mr Atif said the government had no reason to turn down KP’s demand. “If the federal government can include imported coal-based power projects in the CPEC, then why can’t KP’s natural and cost-effective hydel projects be included too,” he asked.

Energy minister insists province doesn’t need any more money

“We do not need money for these projects, but if they are included in the CPEC, they will be completed on a fast-track basis,” he said.

Of the 2,600MW, the KP government recently advertised 518MW projects, seeking bids from the private sector.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, committee chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that KP’s demand would be conveyed to the quarters concerned.

The KP minister said the committee had assured him that a meeting would soon be convened between KP and Wapda officials to address the demands of the provincial government.

He also asked the committee to ensure the provincial government’s representation in all meetings regarding CPEC power projects to be executed in KP. Senator Mushahid Hussain said the government would ensure the representation of all provinces in all meetings with China, including the upcoming meeting of a Joint Working Group on Energy in April.

The Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) managing director also briefed the committee on the issue of Suki-Kinari Hydel Power Project in KP. He said that a revised notice for land acquisition was issued on March 16 to impose Section-4 of the Land Acquisition Act (that imposes a ban on the transfer of ownership rights of land).

At this, Senator Hussain directed the managing director of the PPIB to meet the owners of the lands, as well as the concerned deputy commissioner, power investment company and other stakeholders, on March 25 to resolve the issue.

On the registration of the indenture of lease with the government of Sindh, Water and Power Secretary Mohammad Younus Dagha told the committee that there had been progress, but it required the approval of all stakeholders, adding that the matter would be resolved within two weeks. He also said that Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif would meet the Sindh chief minister to discuss the matter next week.

Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman also attended the meeting as a special invitee and updated the committee on the progress on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. “The new GB government has saved Rs7.5 billion in this project,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2016