All the power sector projects under the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which were launched to help Pakistan meet its residential and industrial electricity demand, are progressing smoothly, WealthPK reports.

Minister for Energy (Power Division) Khurram Dastgir Khan made the remarks at the launch of a report titled "Overview of Pakistan's Power Sector and its Future Outlook" by China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd (CSAIL) in Islamabad. The report summarizes the precious practical and theoretical achievements in the construction of CPEC power projects, and looks forward to the future development direction of the industry.

The report was jointly prepared by CSAIL with the assistance of relevant think tanks such as Pakistan China Institute (PCI), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), and several senior experts and scholars from Pakistan's power sector, according to a press statement received by WealthPK.

Khurram Dastgir, who was chief guest at the ceremony, said Pakistan's energy shortages have been alleviated to a great extent. He said electricity has always been one of the constraints on Pakistan's development. He said China has helped in enhancing Pakistan's energy supply capacity not only through the efficient use of various energy resources, but also by building various types of power projects.

The minister said the report was beneficial to deepening the understanding of Pakistani people about the current situation and future development of the country's power sector, as well as the contribution of CPEC to Pakistan's power sector.

"People in relevant fields in Pakistan should learn from Chinese personnel and deepen industrial cooperation between the two countries,” said the minister.

Chief Representative of CSAIL Zhang Jun said that Three Gorges Group was committed to providing affordable and clean energy for Pakistan. He said Karot Hydropower Project, with a total installed capacity of 720MW, is the company’s flagship project in Pakistan.

Karot Project has provided 1.3 billion units of clean and cheap electricity to Pakistan's power grid since it started generating power this summer. The power station has been operating smoothly, providing effective power security for Pakistan through this hot summer season and playing its role in Pakistan's flood control.

“During the past seven years of construction of Karot Project, we have seen engineers, managers and workers from China and Pakistan working together to overcome very serious events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. However, they still achieved the commercial operation date (COD) 54 days ahead of schedule,” Zhang Jun said.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of PCI, said the report aptly describes the on-ground situation of power projects in Pakistan, and provides detailed analysis regarding opportunities and challenges in the power sector. He termed Pakistan’s relationship with China deep rooted and multifaceted.

“The relationship between Pakistan and China cannot be seen only through the lens of CPEC since this relationship extends beyond it i.e., people-to-people connectivity, economic partnership, and support to each other on their core interests,” he added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk