ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif on Monday said that the power system, which was attacked by insurgents in Balochistan, will be restored by this evening.

According to a report on the state-run Radio Pakistan website, Asif told reporters that steps have been taken to improve the security of power pylons and an inquiry has been ordered. The ministry has also been instructed to submit a report within 48 hours, he said.

Asif ruled out speculations that the power shortage was a result of the oil crisis and said that Pakistan State Oil has booked 12 orders which will start to arrive by Wednesday.

He also said that the ministry is making efforts to bring loadshedding to zero in industrial areas within the next few days. To avoid complete power breakdowns in the future, the minister said that USAID and the China State Grid have been asked for assistance.

After reopening of canals, there has been an increase in hydel power generation, Asif said, adding that the release of water from Tarbela and Mangla will bring 6,000 megawatts of electricity to the system.

He also said that as per directions from the Supreme Court, the government is making efforts to provide "equitable loadshedding" from Karachi to Peshawar, adding that power tariffs are also being reduced. As the agreement with K-Electric expired, the government plans to contact the electric company for a new agreement, he said.

While talking about overcoming loadshedding, Asif said that it is most likely to end by the summer of 2017.

PM Nawaz orders inquiry into electricity breakdown

Earlier today, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Water and Power to present a report on the technical aspect of the electricity breakdown within 48 hours.

The premier issued the directives while chairing a high-level meeting on the power breakdown at the Prime Minister House. He also directed that a comprehensive system should be in place so that such a blackout can be avoided in the future.

Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif briefed Nawaz on factors responsible for the massive breakdown and updated him on the current power supply situation in the country. Asif said that the situation is gradually improving and soon the system would be normalised.

Nawaz also directed law enforcement agencies to ensure improved security of high transmission lines and urged them to urgently develop a strategy.

Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar and other high officials were also in attendance.