PM announces cut in industrial power tariffs

KARACHI, December 28: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated to support industries by reducing power tariffs to boost national economy.
While addressing the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries, the premier announced a Rs3 per unit cut in industrial power tariffs. “We are reducing the industrial electricity tariff by Rs3 per unit from January 1, 2016,” the premier said.
Further, the prime minister claimed that around 10,000 MW of electricity will be added to the national grid by the end of 2017. “We are working on several power projects in the country, including coal power plants in Thar, which will create ample electricity,” he said.
The prime minister said the current government is fast meeting the challenges it inherited after coming to power in 2013 and vowed to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism and power crisis from the country. “I have directed thatBin Qasim Power Project be made operational by the end of 2017 in order to reduce power outages,” PM Nawaz informed the participants of the gathering. During his visit to the Port Qasim, the Port Qasim Authority chief briefed him on the performance, achievements and ongoing development projects. The chief informed the prime minister that “eight terminals are operational at the port and the construction of LNG terminal has been completed in a record time of 11 months. The LNG imported at Port Qasim is regasified and transmitted to required destination by pipelines.” Earlier, upon his arrival Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah received the prime minister at Jinnah International Airport. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan accompanied the prime minister.