ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid says the government will give subsidy of one hundred and seventy billion rupees to the electricity consumers using two hundred units per month.
He said it has been decided to end the difference between the cost and sale of electricity. Currently electricity is being generated at the rate of fifteen rupees and sold at eight rupees per unit. So‚ the government is giving a subsidy of six to seven rupees on every unit. Now the decision has been taken to withdraw this subsidy but this facility will continue for the consumers using up to two hundred units.
The Minister said efforts are being made to produce cheap electricity. The process has been started to install new coal fired power plants and convert the furnace fired power plants to coal. Commissioning of coal related projects will help bring down the prices of electricity. Similarly‚ he said the government is focusing on hydel sources but completion of these projects will take six to seven years time.
Pervaiz Rashid said that friendly countries including China have assured to help Pakistan cope with the energy crisis. He said China has agreed to establish four coal fired power plants having capacity of six hundred megawatt each at Gaddani‚ the coastal area of Balochistan.
The Minister said electricity generation has reached record level of 16000 megawatt due to the steps of the present government. He said 12000 to 13000 megawatt electricity was being produced when the PML (N) took the power and we have increased the generation to record 16000 megawatt.
When asked about Khunjerab-Kashgar economic corridor‚ the Minister said the Chinese experts will visit Pakistan soon after Eidul Fitr to make further headway on this important project. He said the completion of this project will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in Gwadar and Balochistan province. He said this project will generate economic activity and open new job opportunities besides giving boost to local industries.
