ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that the government had crossed 16,000MW electricity production mark, which was around 10,000MW in the past.

Addressing a seminar on 'Energy Secure Pakistan' organised by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), he said that present government had spent two-third of its time on energy problem which is a major hurdle in economic growth.

The minister informed that the present transmission system could not afford even 20,000MW electricity, because no work had been done in this regard during the last 15 years.

"The coal-based Gadani power project, to be completed in three and a half years, is an economic source of electricity.

"Thar Coal Project would be completed on a fast track basis in collaboration with China," the minister said.

He said that the government assigned highest priority to Bhasha Dam because a serious water crisis was looming in the next five to ten years, which could be much bigger issue than the electricity crisis.

Ahsan Iqbal said the ratio of line losses in Pakistan is 24 per cent, whereas in the rest of the world it is 12 per cent.

He said the government had launched a comprehensive crackdown against defaulters to stop electricity and gas theft losses.

The minister said that the government was preparing a five year plan and Vision 20-25 to put the country on the path of sustainable development.

Former secretary water and power Dr Gulfaraz Ahmed and former secretary for petroleum and natural resources Dr Saeed Jadoon were also present at the occasion. -APP