ATTOCK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that protesting parties are creating impediments in the way of development of the country.

Inaugurating a well of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) at Soghri, Attock, he said Chinese president Xi Jinping had to visit Pakistan to sign a number of agreements, especially on electricity production, but that his trip was postponed due to the acts of a few thousand protesters.

He said the government has demonstrated patience and tolerance in the current political crisis. "It is not difficult to get roads cleared from protesters," he said. Nawaz added that the protesting parties should also demonstrate the same spirit and refrain from creating obstacles in the country's development as the entire nation wants improvement.

The postponement of the official visit of the Chinese president has disappointed the Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), which was hoping to get funds for different projects after inaugurating the first solar tubewell of the federal capital during his visit.

Also read: Postponement of Chinese president’s visit disappoints energy council

China had also announced $32 billion to be invested in next seven years in various Pakistani projects of infrastructure building and power sector.

Regarding the energy crisis in the country, the premier said the government is giving foremost priority to elimination of load shedding from the country.

"We have chalked out programs which will end load shedding in the next three to four years. He pointed out that the elimination of load shedding is necessary in order to promote industrial growth and alleviate poverty and unemployment."

Separately, Nawaz said he had been elected by 180 million people and the whole Parliament stands united for continuation of the present system.

The premier has stated in unequivocal terms that he will not resign on the desire of merely a few thousand people.

About the discovery of oil and gas well in Soghri, the PM said it will help save millions of dollars in foreign exchange besides mitigating the energy crisis.