The previous government is often accused of not having added even one kilowatt of energy. Musharraf did not want to repeat Benazir’s mistake of inducting more IPPs for producing expensive power on imported fuel. He understood that the dual needs of energy and water could be met only through hydel projects. He knew that Pakistan’s economy could be revived only by growth in industry and agriculture and the alternate sources of energy also would not make available water for irrigation. He certainly did not want to add to the cost of electricity by going for thermal energy based on imported fuel. He spent the best part of his tenure in trying to develop consensus on Kalabagh dam. When all his efforts failed because of the mindless political opposition from Sindh, he opted for Bhasha dam but not for more IPPs. The sooner the IPPs are replaced with hydel power the better.
ENGR KHURSHID ANWER,
Lahore, April 10.