ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has directed the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) to ensure foolproof arrangements for uninterrupted supply of electricity during the upcoming Saarc summit.

The minister issued these directions at a Saarc arrangements review meeting of Iesco held at the water and power ministry on Tuesday.

The water and power minister said Saarc summit was a major event and a matter of honour for the country. Eyes and ears of the whole world will be focused on Pakistan and every happening in the summit will be of prime importance, he added.

He also pointed out that there would also be a huge gathering of foreign and local mediapersons in the country and they would need continuous supply of electric power to operate their equipment.

He directed Iesco chief executive Syed Adeebul Hassan Rizvi to personally monitor the arrangements. He said all human and material resources should be utilized with maximum output and there should be no lapse in the arrangements.

Mr Sherpao underlined the need for beefing up the security arrangements for the grid stations, high-tension towers and poles, and other equipment. He directed Iesco to contact the law enforcement agencies to ensure special security arrangements for the protection of structures and equipment.

Earlier, Iesco chief executive Syed Adeebul Hassan Rizvi gave a detailed briefing on the arrangements made by the company for continuous supply of power.

He informed the minister that availability of electricity for the summit had been ensured from the sources, while backup arrangements had also been made.

He brought to the notice of the minister that Iesco had set up a Central Control Cell and a Crisis Management Cell to monitor the arrangements and resolve any problem.

Mr Rizvi said focal points in the ministry and Iesco had been designated and their contact numbers had been circulated among quarters concerned.

He told the minister that Iesco staff would be on duty round-the-clock in three shifts and all the stores would be kept open and equipment in operational condition.

Special mobile teams will be on standby with mobile generators and other needed equipment, he added.

Appreciating the efforts and planning for the summit, the minister said he had also directed the ministry to provide all the necessary support to Iesco.