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PM orders to cut power tariff by Rs 2.32
Nawaz says petroleum prices likely to be further slashed after Dec
PESHAWAR – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday announcing reduction of power tariff by Rs 2.32, he said that the step would provide relief to domestic users, industrialists and farmers.
Talking to journalists here at the Governor House, the prime minister said that despite financial constraints the government was pursuing a policy of providing relief to the masses to ensure their progress and prosperity. He said that petroleum prices were also expected to be further slashed later this month.
He said earlier that he had launched Hazara motorway for the people and now he was announcing reduction in power tariff. “This is part of my vision of a developed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a real ‘Naya Pakistan’,” he said. The prime minister said that the government was also making concerted efforts to change the energy mix from thermal to other affordable sources including coal and hydro generation to bring down the cost of electricity production.
He said that low-cost electric generation by coal-fired and Liquified Natural Gas-based power houses would help lower the cost of production viz a vis exportable goods and help local products compete the international markets. He said that with China's investment, the construction of power houses was underway and would start generating electricity in three years.
Nawaz said that sit-ins had delayed installation of these power houses. He said that the industrialists were ambitious to invest in Pakistan but power shortage was a major impediment in this regard. He said that uninterrupted supply of electricity to the masses was his commitment, which he vowed to fulfill during his tenure.
The prime minister recalled that during his earlier tenure in late 90s, Pakistan was self-sufficient in power generation and had surplus electricity to be exported to India. He said that if the previous governments had taken steps for power generation, Pakistan would not have to face the present power crisis.
The prime minister said that power theft was another big challenge and stressed upon immediate steps to control it. He emphasised the need for checking corrupt practices, within the departments and electricity users. He also stressed on improving the transmission system. He added that he was already heading a cabinet committee tasked to take measures in this regard.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk