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Govt to provide affordable, reliable energy to consumers: Omar Ayub
September 16, 2019

Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan says the government is taking various measures to provide affordable and reliable energy to consumers.

Addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Monday, he said efforts are underway to reverse the energy mix, enhance renewable energy and improve electricity transmission system.

The Minister said the government has set the target of reversing the current energy mix of 60 percent imported fuel and 40 percent indigenous resources to 70 percent indigenous resources and 30 percent imported fuel by 2030.

He said the government plans to increase share of renewable energy to 20 percent by 2025.

Omar Ayub Khan said electricity transmission system is being upgraded and the government has set the target of transmitting 26,000 megawatts of electricity by next summer.

He said nuclear energy resources are also being exploited.

He said a mechanism is being developed for early redress of consumer complaints.

The Minister said energy sector has a vast potential of 80 billion dollars investment, and multinational companies are showing interest to invest in it.

He emphasized on adopting latest technology in energy sector to ensure fast-track development.

Omar Ayub Khan said the PTI government is working for wellbeing of people by ensuring meritocracy and transparency.

Omer Ayub said the production cost would be overcome using modern technology. He said there are huge opportunities of investment in solar energy sector in the country and Saudi Arabia will invest in solar energy project of 500 megawatt in Balochistan.

The Minister said peace and stability in Afghanistan is imperative for development in the region and Pakistan is playing a commendable role in this regard. He said Pakistan is also an effective member of SAARC and desires to make it functional and effective forum for regional countries. 

Commenting on situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir, he said the situation is unacceptable for Pakistan and the world as well. He said Pakistan is standing morally, diplomatically and politically with Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for self-determination.

Earlier, Chairman NEPRA Tauseef H. Farooqi highlighted the mission and vision of NEPRA and that how NEPRA is contributing and facilitating the power sector to support the growing economy.

The Chairman moreover expressed the hope that the Afghan delegates will gain valuable knowledge for disposing off their responsibilities as a regulator and that both the nations will continue to exchange knowledge and skills in future.

He stressed to the professionals to focus on integrity, accountability, energy, justice and honesty while dispensing with their responsibilities.

Executive Director SAARC Energy Centre Muhammad Naeem Malik highlighted the role of SAARC Energy Centre. He thanked NEPRA for designing and arranging the training program.

Ijaz/Haider/Abid/Karrar