Punjab & China strike deals on energy

[Salman]

LAHORE, Nov 24: Three memoranda of understanding were signed between the Punjab government and China Western Power Company here on Sunday for cooperation in the energy sector.

Under the agreements, the Chinese company will set up two 660-megawatt each coal-based power plants in Sahiwal. The Punjab government will also launch three 150-megawatt each coal-based power projects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan with the collaboration of the Chinese company, besides a 20MW plant for generation of electricity from solid waste.

Talking to the media, the chief minister welcomed investment by the Chinese company in the power sector, saying it would establish two power plants with imported coal in Sahiwal that would produce 1,320 megawatts of electricity. He said these projects would be completed in two and a half years. The Chinese company would invest around $1.5 billion in the projects.

Shahbaz said besides the agreement with the Chinese company, a deal had also been signed with a German company for generation of electricity from solid waste and the implementation of these agreements would result in transfer of German and Chinese technology to Pakistan.

China Western Power Company Chairman Li Ren Chao said the Punjab government was making sincere efforts for resolving the energy crisis and his company wanted to work with it in the energy sector. He said his company would establish solid waste as well as coal-based power projects in Punjab and speedy measures would be taken for completion of these projects within the stipulated period.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif commended efforts of the army, police, administration and security institutions in maintaining law and order, peace and brotherhood during Muharram, especially in the wake of the Rawalpindi tragedy.

He also lauded the cooperation of elected representatives, ulema and masses.

The CM was talking to senior officials of the administration, police and security institutions who performed duty during Muharram. He said overall law and order remained satisfactory in the province during the holy month. He also said the whole nation was grieved over the Pindi incident and those who showed negligence and dereliction of duty would not escape punishment.

The CM said a fact-finding committee and judicial commission were working to ascertain facts and action against those found guilty would be deterrent. He said effective measures would be taken to overcome shortcomings and weaknesses by analysing the incident in light of the reports.

Shahbaz directed the IG to evolve a strategy for capacity building of police with the consultation of senior officers and experts within four days. He sought use of Elite Force only for protection of life and property of citizens and eradication of crime and that recommendations be submitted to him in this regard