C-5 N-power project: PM forms 11-member panel to discuss pros and cons

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister has constituted an 11-member panel to discuss pros and cons of C-5 Nuclear power project as Chinese are pressing Islamabad to start this project.

According to sources, a delegation of China National Nuclear Power Corporation called on the Prime Minister on February 1, 2023 and briefed him on their plans for strengthening cooperation with Pakistan on safe and secure nuclear generation. Chinese delegation requested for expediting government approvals for C-5 nuclear power project.

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The sources said, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a Committee with the remit to engage immediately with Chinese National Nuclear Corporation, discuss all pros and cons and the relevant details of the project, study the financial construct of the project and assess its economic and financial viability, and pursue the Chinese side to agree on terms and conditions that may make the project viable keeping in view the prevailing economic scenario and submit its recommendations on priority.

The Committee will comprise Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal (Convener), Minister for Power (Member), SAPM on Finance, Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Government Effectiveness Dr. Jehanzeb Khan, SAPM on Coordination, Secretary Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Secretary Finance Division, Secretary Power Division, Muhammad Saeed ur Rehman, Member Power, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and representative of Strategic Plans Division (SPD) not below BS-21 or equivalent. The sources said Convener of the Committee may co-opt other members of the Committee as per requirement.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023