'Work under way to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity'

Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Khursheed Shah has said that the government has initiated work on various projects having the capacity to generate 20,000mw electricity. Addressing the participants of Izhar-e-Tashakur ceremony arranged by the reinstated employees of People's Programme, he said, "government is tackling energy crisis seriously.
Work is continued on various projects having capacity to generate about 20,000 MW electricity." He further said government has allocated about rupees 35 billion in the current financial budget for energy sector. Work on about 17 small, medium and big dams is in progress. He said that PPP-led government has added about 3,200MW power in the national grid.
Khursheed was of the view that a commission should be constituted to ascertain the responsibility of the energy crisis in the country. "The commission should investigate from 1988 to 2008 and pinpoint the responsible of the energy crisis." He recalled that in the era of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the country had surplus energy.
He said PPP government always works for the poor. He said the government has regularised about 4,000 contract and daily wages employees before June 30. He further said about 86 doctors in various cities have also been regularised. He said PPP-government has always given employment to the deserving youngsters. "We have always been criticised by the opposition for providing jobs to youngsters and if this is a crime we will continue such crimes in future too."
The minister said it was the promise of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to reinstate employees, and fulfilled by President Asif Ali Zardari through an ordinance. Bhutto family have rendered unmatched sacrifices for the strengthening of democracy, he added.
On the occasion, In-charge People's Labour Bureau, Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmad said the government is taking all possible steps to provide relief to masses. He said the government has increased about 135 percent salaries of government employees. It has also increased pension. He said that about 8,000 quarters would be constructed for labourers, providing them accommodation facility.