LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that all out efforts are being made for dealing with energy crisis.
“Besides traditional sources, energy projects are being executed through renewable methods.  Planning has been made for setting up energy projects through LNG in the province,” the chief minister said while presiding over a meeting here on Saturday.
Federal Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also attended the meeting which agreed upon taking all necessary measures regarding speedy progress for early completion of energy projects.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government had decided to set up LNG power plant near Sheikhupura and more than 1000 megawatt electricity would be generated from this plant. “Federal Cabinet has given approval to setting up of energy projects through LNG at three different places in Punjab and a total of 3600 megawatt electricity will be generated from these projects,” he added.
Shahbaz Sharif thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for granting approval to the provision of 200 MMCFD LNG to Punjab.
He also expressed the hope that a number of energy projects would be generating electricity during next three years and people would be provided relief by reducing energy crisis. The chief minister directed that concerned departments should immediately take necessary steps for LNG power plants and work should be started for laying pipelines and up-gradation of transmission lines at the earliest. He said that energy projects of LNG would be completed on fast track.
The CM said that a 100 megawatt solar project had been completed in a record period of six months at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur. “It is the first and biggest solar project in the history of the country, which has been established by Punjab government from its own resources.  He said that work was continued on the project of generating energy through indigenous coal with the cooperation of China in Salt Range. He said that all out resources would be provided for ensuring speedy completion of energy projects.
Khawaja Asif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi promised all the cooperation to the Punjab Chief Minister for the early completion of energy projects.
During the meeting, a briefing was given for setting up of energy projects through LNG in Punjab. Attorney General of Pakistan, Provincial Minister for Minerals Ch Sher Ali, MNA Hamza Shahbaz, Members Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Federal Secretary for Water & Power, Chairman NEPRA, Managing Directors NTDC, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd., NESPAK, PPIB besides officials of Federal and Provincial governments attended the meeting.