SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the government is making all-out efforts to improve the demand and supply system of electricity to ensure minimum loadshedding during Ramazan.

He said Pakistan was heading towards achieving the goal of no power shortage with every passing day, adding the energy crisis would end within the next two years. He said this while talking to reporters here on Sunday.

Asif urged people not to use air conditioners during prayer timings. But said they could use them during Taraveeh prayers. He said such steps would help save 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts of electricity.

He said the government was unable to provide electricity to the industrial sector from 7pm to 4am during Ramazan in order to ensure uninterrupted supply during Sehr and Iftar. It had, therefore, requested the industry not to operate during these timings, he added.

The minister said demand for electricity had jumped to 21,000MW across the country with the advent of Ramazan. He said now regular demand for electricity was 18,000MW and production 16,000MW.

He claimed the people protesting against power outages were the ones not paying their bills for a long time. The government would not provide electricity to the areas that did not pay bills.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2015

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