Islamabad :
Pak-China relations steering committee to finalize uniform policy framework within a month to extend commercial operation dates for 5 power projects of about 3,600 MW under Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) Directed.
According to the report, the meeting chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar also directed the Power Division to ensure adequate power supply for the operation of 660 KV transmission line from Matiari to Lahore from September 1. It also directed the Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to finalize the tariff during the testing phase of the project.
Numerous projects under the C-Pack, including the power sector, are currently facing delays due to various reasons, including the ongoing epidemic and excess power generation capacity. A statement issued after the second meeting of the committee said that the meeting discussed in detail the ongoing projects under CPEC and the problems faced by their investors. went.
Discussing CPEC energy projects facing delays due to Covid 19, the committee directed the Power Division to formulate a policy to address the issue of COD expansion of power projects, the statement said.
It was stated in the meeting that the projects which need to be expanded have a total generating capacity of 3,584 MW. Instructions given. The meeting pointed out that extension of the Charter of Democracy on a case-by-case basis would not be a good option, instead a policy-based decision should be taken to extend all schemes to avoid any discretion.
The Federal Minister directed the Ministry of Communications to expedite the work on Thakot to Raikot Road and Zhob to Quetta road projects and said that proposals in this regard should be submitted to the Cabinet by next week to take the projects to the next level of development. can go . The meeting was also informed about the delay in signing the Industrial Framework Agreement. The Committee was apprised of the growing interest of local and foreign investors in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone. Delay would be detrimental to the project. The meeting decided that the Planning Minister should personally take up the matter with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Regarding Allama Iqbal Industrial City, the representative of the Board of Investment informed the committee that the list of board members of Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company has been finalized and it will be notified soon. Delay in supply of utilities to Free Zone was also discussed. The meeting was apprised of possible investment in LNG in Gwadar and it was informed that three major companies have expressed interest in setting up LNG terminals and related infrastructure Asad Omar directed the Ministry of Petroleum to provide facilities to investors and coordinate with the relevant ministries.
