PM orders early start of power transmission projects

Shehbaz stresses sustainable reforms to uplift agriculture sector

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed for early commencement of work on projects aimed at improving the power transmission and distribution system in the country.
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, to review ongoing reforms in power sector.
The Prime Minister said providing relief to public and ensuring uninterrupted power supply to industries by completing environment-friendly and low-cost energy projects is topmost priority of the government.
He directed for accelerating the process of privatization of power distribution companies. He said the second and third phases of the auction of loss-making generation companies should also be competed soon.
The Prime Minister directed that installation of smart meters be completed promptly and a report be submitted upon completion of the process.
He also directed to pace up the process of establishment of electric vehicle charging stations across the country.
The Prime Minister mentioned that solarization of tube wells in Balochistan by the federal government has been completed, which will enhance the productivity of the agricultural sector in the province.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing reforms and projects related to generation, transmission and distribution of power sector.
The meeting was informed that first phase of auction of obsolete and loss-making gencos was completed, which generated a revenue of 9.05 billion rupees to the national exchequer.
It was told that successful negotiations were held with 36 Independent Power powers regarding electricity tariffs, which will save 3.69 trillion rupees.
The meeting was further informed that uninterrupted power supply is being ensured to the industries to increase industrial production, exports and foreign exchange.
The meeting was informed that the process of establishing charging stations for the promotion of electric vehicles is in full swing.
It was informed that the Power Planning and Monitoring Company has been established for the improvement of the power sector. The administrative boards of most of the country’s distribution companies have been restructured and are now fully functional.
The meeting was informed that a plan is being devised to provide easy loans from banks for the promotion of energy-efficient fans. A roadmap has also been prepared for the construction of energy-efficient buildings.
Furthermore.Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said sustainable reforms in the agriculture sector will further boost the country’s economy.
He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday on development of agriculture sector.
The Prime Minister said agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy and reforms in this sector will substantially increase per acre produce, which will further reduce production cost.
The Prime Minister made it clear that no tax is being levied on fertilizers and pesticides in the next financial year budget to promote agriculture.
Shehbaz Sharif directed to gradually reduce tax on agricultural machinery and equipment in order to promote farm mechanization. He also instructed to accelerate the steps to enhance the storage capacity of the agricultural produce.
The Prime Minister commended allocation of funds for new projects for the development of the agricultural sector.
He expressed the hope that those who have been sent to China on agricultural scholarships will render valuable services as entrepreneurs upon their return home for the development of the agricultural sector.
The Prime Minister said farmers and residents of rural areas will benefit the most from the development of the agriculture sector.