CPEC projects to help generate economic activity, job creation: NA Speaker
our coprrespondent
Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mahmood Khan on Thursday raised concerns on neglecting the hydro power projects of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in the 27 years Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2020-47 of National Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The IGCEP is devised for power generation at national level, and has urged upon NEPRA to review the plan and to include the hydro power projects of the provincial government in it.
A handout issued here today says that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a potential capacity of producing more than 30,000 Megawatts electricity which could be utilized to overcome the issue of energy crises in the country.
He was leading the team of the provincial government which attended a hearing of NEPRA regarding the proposed IGCEP 2020-47 through video link held under the chair of Chairman NEPRA, Tauseef H. Farooq the other day.
Other members of the team included Advisor to CM on Energy and Power Himayatullah Khan, Secretary Energy and Power Muhamnad Zubair Khan, Chief Executive Officer PEDO, Naeem Khan and barrister Asghar Khan.
On this occasion the team of the provincial government raised the point that for the first time NEPRA published the IGCEP back in February 2019 wherein the hydro power projects of the province were ignored altogether to which the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) objected and reported the same to NEPRA being competent forum for the approval of the Plan; and consequently NEPRA issued directives to National Transmission and Dispatch Company to include the hydro projects of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the revised publication of the plan.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Thursday called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser at Parliament House in Islamabad and discussed overall economic situation, COVID-19 situation, CPEC and Pak Afghan relationship.
The NA Speaker appreciated measures of federal and provincial governments in containing the spread of infectious coronavirus disease, saying that COVID-19 pandemic played havoc with countries’ economies.
Referring to the CPEC project, he said the economic corridor project is a game changer that would increase local and foreign investments inside Pakistan and would have a positive impact on the national economy.
He said setting up of industrial zones under CPEC project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would generate employment opportunities for youth besides ushering a new era of prosperity and development.
Asad Qaiser appreciated measures being taken by the KP government for welfare of its people and hoped that it would come up to the expectations of the people.
Regarding Pak-Afghan relationship, he said cordial relations between the two countries are indispensable in the vital interest of the two nations, adding that the National Assembly has constituted Pak-Afghan Friendship Group Executive Committee to remove hurdles in trade between the two countries.
The Speaker assured support of National Assembly to all provincial assemblies in making the legislation process more effective.
Speaking on the occasion, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said the provincial government was committedly working for bringing change in the province as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said that KP people have great expectations from PTI leadership and the provincial government is trying its best to win the hearts of people by providing them basic facilities on priority basis.
Mahmood Khan said that a considerable amount has been allocated for development projects in the annual budget.
The CM said that steps are being taken to ensure timely completion of industrial zones in KP under CPEC.
Regarding coronavirus, he said the provincial government was taking all possible steps including imposition of smart lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.
The CM appreciated the role of NA speaker in strengthening Pak-Afghan ties and assured support of his government in removing hurdles in smooth trade between the two countries.
