ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant authorities to expedite the process of privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOS) and generation companies (GENCOS).
Chairing a meeting on the energy sector in the federal capital, the Prime Minister emphasized that privatization of the energy system, which will lead to the establishment of a competitive electricity market, is the sustainable solution to the country’s energy problems.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed that steps were being taken to privatize three distribution companies, IESCO, FESCO and GEPCO, and expressions of interest (EoI) would be published in this regard shortly.
The prime minister directed that relevant development projects be completed on priority to further improve the country’s power distribution system.
To align the power system with modern requirements, the prime minister directed to start work on a battery energy storage system through public-private partnerships and private sector participation.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of the power sector roadmap, power generation and distribution, privatization of DISCOS and GENCOS, and other reforms being carried out in the power sector.
The Prime Minister was told that PC-I of 500 KV Ghazi Barotha-Faisalabad transmission line was in the approval stage.
Furthermore, the technical feasibility of shifting the imported power plants to Thar Coal has been completed and work on the railway line to transport Thar coal to the power plants is also underway.
The prime minister was also briefed on the implementation of a competitive electricity market.
The conceptual clearance proposal for the Battery Energy Storage System project has been approved and the feasibility study is underway, the Prime Minister informed.
The report adds that as a result of continued efforts, losses on the lines have decreased compared to last year.
Danish university
Moreover, the prime minister stressed that Daanish University will focus on promoting modern technology and scientific disciplines.
He was presiding over the board meeting of Daanish University in the federal capital.
The meeting focused on the development of the university, future plans and the establishment of an inclusive and world-class institution aimed at promoting modern education and technological advancements, read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister further ordered that the architecture of the university should be designed in a simple but dignified manner, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
He welcomed the President and members of the Council, expressing his best wishes for their efforts.
