HARIPUR: A 132-kilovolt grid station was formally energised in Hattar Special Economic Zone on Friday to provide uninterrupted power supply to the industrial units and address electricity-related problems of investors.

In this connection, a ceremony was held at Hattar Special Economic Zone. Caretaker Minister for Industries Dr Aamir Abdullah, who was chief guest on the occasion, inaugurated the grid station.

The chief executive officer of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KP-EZDMC), Javed Iqbal Khattak, and office-bearers of Hattar Industrial Association were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the minister said that the grid station would help to resolve electricity-related problems of the industrial units. He said that government would continue taking such initiatives for the resolution of people and investors.

Pledges to resolve problems of investors

He said that the endeavour would not be limited to development of infrastructure rather other hurdles would also be removed to resolve problems faced by investors.

The minister said that he had already taken up the issue of wheel-charges on electricity with the chairman of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), who assured him of its resolution.

Dr Aamir said that he had a list of the problems of industrialists of the zone and reiterated his commitment for taking steps for their resolution.

He appreciated the performance of KP-EZDMC and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco). He said that if they continued working with the same spirit and dedication, there would be no hurdle to development of industries in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Iqbal Khattak highlighted the efforts and achievements of company for the development of economic zones to attract domestic and foreign investment.

He said that Hattar Special Economic Zone was a flagship project of KP-EZDMC along with Rashakai Special Economic Zone. The zone has a total area of 438 acres with 324 acres of leasable land and its all plots have already been allotted.

He said that seven industrial units became operational with the investment of Rs8 billion while six more were near commencement of production. He said that more than Rs60 billion would be invested in the remaining under-construction units.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2023