LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the two coal power projects are being set up in Sahiwal to generate 1,320MW electricity from them.

Presiding over a meeting to review the progress of Sahiwal coal power projects here on Saturday, the chief minister said the promotion of industrial, trade and economic activities was essential for early elimination of energy crisis in the country.

“The government is utilising all its resources for overcoming shortage of electricity. Work on energy projects is being carried out speedily. Initial design of the Sahiwal coal power project has been prepared and an agreement with the Railways for transportation of coal from Karachi finalised,” he said.

The chief minister said the project would be implemented transparently by ensuring high quality and speed. He said this project of national importance would be completed in 2017.

He said the Punjab government would impart training of thermal engineering to about 200 Pakistani engineers in China from its own resources.

He directed that a comprehensive programme with regard to training of Pakistani engineers in China should be evolved and presented to him within a week. He said the setting up of the thermal engineering department in Engineering University Lahore should also be considered.

The decision of imparting training to Pakistani youth in thermal engineering discipline in China by a Chinese company was a welcome step, he said.

He said he would personally monitor the progress of the Sahiwal coal power project and also visit the site soon.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play