Pak will get 100MW power from Iran by next month

Islamabad: The launching ceremony of transmission line for import of 100MW power for Gwadar from Iran will be held next month during the visit of Iranian Minister for Energy to Pakistan on October 15-17.

It was decided in a meeting between Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Masha' Allah Shakeri and Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf here on Friday. Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations to further boost economic ties between the two countries.

It was also agreed to expedite the process of importing 1000 MW power from Iran on fast track basis for its early completion.

The Ambassador offered to invest in the power projects and said Iranian companies are also interested for up-gradation projects of transmission line system in Pakistan on low cost basis.

He also offered sizeable investment in hydro power plants and expressed intention to finance power projects in Pakistan.

The Ambassador stated that Iranian government would provide all assistance to the new government in every sector. The minister said currently Pakistan is facing many internal and external challenges and energy deficit is also one of them. The government is taking necessary measures to generate electricity to bridge the demand and supply gap through fast track projects.

The government has planned to bring 35,000 MW power by the year 2016 and steps are being taken in this regard. He informed that government now attaches high priority to exploit the indigenous resources like coal, hydel and wind for power generation. He said first windmill in the private sector would be operative next month.

Pervez Ashraf lauded the offer of the Iranian side and said Pakistan has already signed a MoU to purchase of 1000 MW power from Iran. He also assured his full support and assistance to facilitate Iranian investors to invest in water and power sectors in Pakistan.

He also expressed that this meeting would further strengthen and enhance bilateral and economic relations between the two countries.