Resolving energy crisis by 2018 top priority, says Nawaz

Published October 9, 2015
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif performed ground-breaking of 1180MW Bhikki Power Plant at Sheikhupura on Friday afternoon. ─ Reuters/File
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif performed ground-breaking of 1180MW Bhikki Power Plant at Sheikhupura on Friday afternoon. ─ Reuters/File

SHEIKHUPURA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that he never promised to steer the country out of the severe energy crisis six months after assuming power but vowed the get rid of energy issues during his five year term.

The premier was speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of LNG powered Bhikki Power Plant in Sheikhupura district of Punjab.

The premier claimed that he and his team are working day and night to overcome the energy shortage which has made life difficult for the business community and the populace of the country.

"NEPRA had approved Rs95 billion for the project while the project was built in Rs55 billion", claimed the PM and added that his government is working not only to raise overall power production but also reduce cost.

He added that with cost reduction, the government can directly benefit commercial and domestic power consumers of the country.

In an apparent jab at political rival, PTI's Imran Khan, the PM remarked that one cannot produce power by burning electricity bills on a container but has to build power projects.

The premier reiterated that his 'hard working' team is making all efforts to overcome the energy shortage by 2018.

The prime minister was accompanied by Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

The power plant will be commissioned jointly by Harben Electric International of China and American General Electric at a cost of 55 billion rupees.

Related: Punjab cabinet approves Bhikki power project

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...