Thar to emerge as  energy capital of country: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said that Thar would emerge as the ‘energy capital’ of the country and would provide opportunities for employment and growth in the backward areas of Sindh.

He directed that investors in Thar should demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to uplift lives in Thar. “The economic activity in Thar should not mean to earn the profits only but should be aimed at to uplift social sector. The minister advised Water and Power Ministry to help Balochistan government in preparation of financial feasibility to utilise coal reserves in Harnai to firm up coal-based power project in the area.

Ahsan Iqbal was speaking while chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress on various projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here on Tuesday.Officials of concerned ministries briefed the meeting about projects’ status under CPEC framework. The Minister of Planning and Development directed to undertake the construction work on CPEC projects on fast track basis to ensure their completion in stipulated time frame. The minister emphasised that smarter and scientific approach should be adopted while carrying out the work on CPEC projects. He urged for mobilising the required financial resources promptly for smooth execution of work on these projects. Ahsan Iqbal also laid great emphasis on environmental aspects of all CPEC projects and observed that precautionary measures should be considered to avoid any environmental hazards.

On Gwadar, Ahsan Iqbal directed for economically and environmentally feasible power projects to cater the electricity demands of Gwadar Port City and Makran coastal belt. He emphasised the need to work out a plan to develop Gwadar Port City with an aesthetic look by inviting top architectures to come up with their plans though open competition. He particularly directed to chalk out feasible plans for downstream disposal of ash of coal based power plants. He asked the concerned authorities to study the best international practices for
 ash utilisation of coal based power plants.

The minister also directed National Highway Authority to meet timelines for completion of missing links on Western route to operationalise it as first priority under CPEC framework as part of commitment of government. He stated, “Gwadar will be connected with rest of the country through three routes that would bring a transformational change in the area”. Ahsan Iqbal also directed to work out a plan for up-gradation of Sust dry port in Gilgit-Baltistan for its proper utilisation in CPEC framework.