ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed on Wednesday the power situation in the country.
The water and power secretary gave a detailed briefing on the demand and supply situation in the power sector at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy presided over by Mr Abbasi at PM Office.
He also presented projected figures for the power sector up to year 2023.
The prime minister reviewed various outstanding issues regarding upcoming power plants and gave instructions for expeditious completion of the ongoing power generation and transmission system in the country.
He was informed that the 500kV Neelum-Jhelum transmission line would be completed by the end of this month. Transmission lines of the same capacity in Port Qasim and Thar Matiari would be completed by October 2017 and June 2018, respectively.
The meeting was informed that the 220kV Jhimpir-TM Road transmission line had been energised, while 220kV Gharo-Jhimpir, 132kV Patrind-Mansehra and 500kV Baloki transmission lines would be completed next year.
While reviewing the current distribution system, the prime minister ordered the water and power ministry to work out a comprehensive plan, in coordination with stakeholders, for reducing technical and commercial losses and making power distribution a viable sector.
He observed that as a result of concerted efforts by the present government, the power situation in the country had improved significantly, thus saving the people from the inconvenience of unscheduled and forced loadshedding.
Prime Minister Abbasi also chaired a meeting to review the performance of the information and broadcasting division.
Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the prime minister on the working of the ministry and its attached departments, including the Press Information Department, External Publicity Wing and other organisations. A special focus was afforded to the initiatives regarding electronic and digital media.
The meeting also discussed matters pertaining to the Pakistan Television Corporation and Films and Broadcasting Policy.
Mr Abbasi directed the information ministry to adopt innovative and modern approach towards generation and dissemination of information. He emphasised the need for adopting a proactive approach towards projecting the positive image of the country and countering negative propaganda locally and internationally.
The prime minster observed that the information ministry and its attached departments should be more responsive, vibrant and catering to the needs of the people.
Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2017
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