Indus River cascade feasibilities major leap to tap indigenous Hydel resources: Asif

Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesdaytermed the feasibilities being conducted by the Chinese side on Indus River cascade as part of recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, a major leap toward tapping indigenous hydel resources.

“This is a big achievement which will not only cater for electricity requirements of the country but also provide life line to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the long run,” the Minister said during a meeting with Chinese high powered delegation led by Administrator National Energy Administration (NEA) Nur Bekri in delegation level talks at the Ministry of Water and Power in Islamabad.

The Minister while underscoring the importance of tapping hydel potential of Pakistan said, “The Chinese expertise in the development of hydel projects can be best utilized by developing mega hydel projects on Indus River. During last visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the conversion of study into a formal MoU for chalking out ways and means to finance and built these projects is a welcome step.”

The Minister said, “Exemplary close contact between the Ministry of Water and Power and NEA are paying its dividends in the shape of development of energy projects with smooth and reasonable pace. Even now when the high powered delegation of NEA is visiting Pakistan, high officials of the Ministry are in China to continue the close liaison.”

The Federal Minister earlier while warmly welcoming the Chinese delegation said, “The relations between Pakistan and China have reached to new dimensions. The relations between the two countries are further fostering with each passing day. The tremendous success of CPEC is the indication that the relations have reached to new heights.” He specially appreciated the close cooperation in the field of energy between the two countries.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif also suggested during the meeting to continue with expert level committee at different levels to remain constantly in touch during all phases of projects completion so that all other pre-requisites for power projects are synchronized.

Nur Bekri thanked the Pakistan side for according warm welcome to his delegation. He termed the two countries as “best neighbors, best friends and best brothers.”

He said, “The decision to take off CPEC was right decision at right time by both counties since it is bearing fruits as per the expectations.” He specially mentioned the Ministry of Water and Power and its various entities for facilitating the Chinese investors in different phases of setting up of their projects.

The Administrator NEA termed the meeting on Diamer Basha Dam as “successful” and expressed the hope that the process will continue and both countries will further share their relevant data to proceed further in the case. He said, “The coordination between Ministry of Water and Power and NEA is exemplary.”

The Chinese delegation presented model of newly build first ever CPEC project, Sahiwal Coal Power plant to the Ministry for Water and Power.