ISLAMABAD : US Ambassador Richard Olsen called on Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, on Tuesday. The issues of bilateral cooperation between both the countries, especially in the field of development human education and energy were discussed. Ahsan Iqbal told the ambassador that Pakistan was facing acute energy crisis due to lack of planning mismanagement in the past. He said that govt had prepared comprehensive plan to solve the energy crisis on war footings.

The new government has cleared Rs 500 billion circular debt of past 14 years in one month, he added. Ahsan further said that policies of merit, good governance and fair-play would help Pakistani economy rebound very quickly. He told the ambassador that a commission was being transformed into a think tank to foresee future needs. Ahsan urged upon the US government to support Bhasha Dam project as it was vital for meeting Pakistan's future energy and water needs. Olson assured his cooperation to the government of Pakistan regarding building of water reservoirs and construction of dams like Diamer Bhasha.