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

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...