Punjab to generate 3,600MW electricity from gas: Shahbaz

LAHORE
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, immediately after his return to the country after a long journey from London, did not take rest and presided over a meeting in which various matters regarding energy projects, especially gas-based power projects were reviewed.
Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that all possible resources were being utilised for the early completion of energy projects and efforts made by the present government for the implementation of power projects were unprecedented in the country’s history. He said that work was underway expeditiously on energy projects based on coal, gas, hydle and solar power as well as alternative sources. He said that planning had been made for generation of 3,600 megawatt electricity from gas in the province and the Punjab government was setting up a 1200 megawatt gas power project with its own resources at Dhiki, Sheikhupura. Similarly, he said, the federal government will set up a 1200 megawatt gas power project at Balloki and 1200 megawatt gas power project in Haveli Bahadur Shah, Jhang. He said that feasibility reports of the three projects of generation of power from gas had been prepared. The chief minister directed that all necessary issues regarding gas-based power projects be settled at the earliest as every moment was precious. He said that federal and provincial institutions should further these projects through effective coordination and matters regarding these projects be finalised within the stipulated period. He said that transparency, standard and speedy implementation of projects was the hallmark of the government. Several power projects will start production till 2017. Chairman Punjab Power Development Company Arif Saeed, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, concerned officers and senior officials of a German company associated with the energy sector were present.
healthcare: Chief Minister Punjab’s Adviser on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that concepts of oral healthcare education and prevention of diseases are being neglected in the present system of dental education and there should be a paradigm shift towards research oriented and clinical based scientific techniques. He said this at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day international conference on dental research at University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Friday. Khawaja Salman further said there was a major shortage of qualified faculty in our dental colleges adding there was a dire need of revitalising the current curriculum designs, education styles and technical facilities to keep ourselves abreast with the modern world.
UHS Vice-Chancellor Maj Gen (R) Prof Muhammad Aslam said efforts were being made to overcome the shortage of faculty in medical and dental colleges. He said the proceedings of the conference should be communicated to policymakers. President of Pak Association for Dental Research Dr Imran Rahbar and Executive Director Dr Abdul Samad Khan also spoke. A spokesperson for the varsity said the conference, organised in collaboration with Pak Association of Dental Research, would see key-speakers from Canada, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. There will be more than 150 oral and poster presentations.