FAISALABAD: Pakistan has huge coal reserves which could be used to overcome prevalent energy crisis by producing cheaper electricity.

This was claimed by Dr Samar Mubarak Mand member Science and Technology, Planning Commission of Pakistan while addressing a seminar on “Energy Crisis in Pakistan” organized by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here on Friday.

He said Pakistan was the second country in the world which had huge coal reserves. However, it is need of the hour to start getting coal, diesel and gas from these reserves as the country is passing through a critical stage due to multi-faceted crisis prevailing in the country.

“If we get electricity from coal, it would cost only Rs 3.5 to Rs 5 per unit” he said, adding that our neighboring countries are far ahead from us in development pace only due to the use of coal-based energy.

He said Allah Almighty has bestowed Pakistan with all kinds of natural resources and now it is our duty to utilize these resources in a fair and transparent manner for the welfare and betterment of mankind.

Divisional Commissioner Tahir Husian and Chairman Ad-hoc Management Committee FCCI Muhammad Naseer also addressed the function.

Later, memento of the chamber was also presented to Dr Samar Mubarak Mand.