ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar on Tuesday said that country is facing sever energy crisis as it suffers a deficit of around 6000 MW in the system during peak summer season.
Speaking at a two-day second Pak-China Joint Energy Working Group's meeting, here he said that the growing demand is a big challenge for the Pakistan government. "But this growing demand also provides immense opportunities for Chinese investors to participate and share the benefits", he added.
He said that the government is committed to resolving the prevailing energy crises and achieve energy security on sustainable basis with active support of its brethren countries especially China.
The minister said the gap between demand and supply could further grow in future if measures are not taken immediately,
Naveed Qamar said that the efforts and support of Chinese government in overcoming the energy crisis in Pakistan has been very supportive and encouraging while both countries have started discussion to further enhance cooperation in the sector.
He said the Pak-China Joint Energy Working Group was the outcome of memorandum of understanding, signed between Pakistan and China for enhancing cooperation in the field of energy during visit of Prime Minister for China to Pakistan in 2010.
The minister said that creation of a JEWG is an appropriate forum for candid discussion on all issues besides sorting out straight forward solution to these issues.
He said that Pakistani people looks towards Chinese government to help them resolve the biggest problem of energy. Pakistan is also receiving enormous support from Chinese side on installation of new nuclear plants Chashma-III and Chashma-IV despite international pressure which reflects the strength of friendship between the two countries, he said.
He said that the government has now planned various new power projects which are required to be implemented in the near future. These projects include various hydel, coal, renewable energy and transmission line projects and want these projects to go ahead with technical as well as financial support of China.
Head of the Chinese delegation and National Energy Administrator Wu Guihi also spoke on the occasion.
It is pertinent to mention here that the first meeting of working group was held in Beijing, which was attended by Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar besides other Pakistani officials.
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