ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the solar-powered Green Parliament project, making the parliament building world’s first-ever equipped with such facility.
The 1.8 MW plant has been completed under a grant provided by China as an alternative source of energy to meet electricity needs of the Parliament House.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said Green Parliament project was a milestone in overcoming the shortage of electricity in the country.
Nawaz Sharif called upon the public and private sectors to follow the exemplary project and work on similar projects utilising the solar power. He expressed hope that the government in its term of office would overcome the shortage of electricity, adding he was personally monitoring the ongoing power projects.
He thanked China for its support in materialisation of the Green Parliament project and termed it a testimony of the solid friendship between the two countries. Premier Sharif also lauded the efforts of the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker for taking personal interest in the completion of project.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the project was a significant addition to the government’s projects of overcoming electricity crisis in the country. He said the solar power plant would meet the building’s power needs and set a precedent for others to switch to renewable sources of energy. Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, ministers and parliamentarians were also present.
An array of solar panels has been installed in the premises of the parliament building that has also been linked to the national grid to pass on the surplus electricity.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said Pakistan’s economy was now stable and was gaining further strength because of the consolidated efforts of its economic team.
He was talking to Professor Craig Calhoun, the director and president London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) who called on him here at the PM House.
“We have categorically resolved to take the terrorists head-on and we are successfully eliminating them from every nook and corner of Pakistan. Pakistan is proactively pursuing the policy of reaching out to its neighbours in the region for ensuring regional peace and stability.”
Professor Craig said in recognition of the achievements of the founding father of Pakistan, the institute was considering establishing Jinnah Chair at London School of Economics and Political Science.
Appreciating the overall improved situation in Pakistan, the LSE director said, “We see improved security and much better economy in Pakistan.” He said the improved security environment and positive economic indicators have contributed towards building a positive image of Pakistan.
“We want to help Pakistan in producing economist leaders for policy making,” he said, while appreciating the leadership role of prime minister in steering the country out of the crisis.
He attributed the present stability in Pakistan to the political acumen of the prime minister. The meeting also discussed in detail to explore the possibilities of students’ exchange and facilitating Pakistani researchers for achieving better academic results.
The prime minister said that his government will welcome academic programmes offered by LSE which will certainly improve the quality of studies.
