ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need for completing all liquefied natural gas (LNG)-based power projects on a fast-track basis in order to generation cheaper electricity.
Talking to Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abassi, who called on him at the PM’s House, the premier said that Pakistan would have enough power to meet its domestic and industrial requirements by 2018. “Completion of these projects will enable the country to produce affordable and cheaper energy for the consumers.”
The premier regretted that the previous governments ignored crucial sectors of the economy, including power generation, to match the requirements. He said that the government was making speedy progress in all key sectors, including energy, infrastructure development and social welfare projects, to mitigate sufferings of the common man. “We believe in actions and the mega projects in various sectors are testimony to our performance,” he said.
The premier said that the people knew quite well that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) politics was aimed at serving the country, with exclusive focus on resolving the core issues confronting the people. He called for ensuring transparency in execution of all projects and strict adherence to the governing laws.
He said that improved situation of law and order in the country was destined to encourage further investments from both local and foreign investors in diverse fields. “We are determined to pursue our revolutionary agenda of economic revival and development,” he said.
The petroleum minister informed the premier that all arrangements were in place to ensure provision of gas to Guddu and Nandipur power projects next year.
He said that the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGL) were heavily investing in the upgradation of transmission and distribution network across the country. The minister said that oil and gas exploration companies operating in different parts of the country had made substantial discoveries owing to the policies of the present government.
He said that work on various gas-related projects, including setting up of LNG terminals and gas pipelines to meet energy needs of the country, was vigorously being pursued.
