Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Masha Allah Shakeri on Thursday called on the Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf. Both countries have agreed to expedite the process of importing 1,000MW power by Pakistan from Iran on fast track basis for early completion of the project. They also agreed to work out the possibilities of import of an additional 1,000MW power from Iran.Iranian ambassador offered to supply power and gas and also wind turbines to Pakistan to promote alternative energy from Iran. apparently, Iran is also interested to work in the water sector of Pakistan. He said that joint investment companies may also be set up to boost economic ties in various other sectors. He also said Iran is also interested to invest in infrastructure development projects in Pakistan. He also suggested establishment of a joint investment company to look into the exchange of expertise to pave the way for investment opportunity in water and power sectors.
He offered sizeable investment in hydropower plants and expressed intention to finance power projects in Pakistan. The Pakistani minister lauded the Iranian offer and said Pakistan has already signed an agreement to purchase 25MW electricity from Mund (Iran) and recently signed another agreement for purchase of 125MW and 1,000MW power from Iran.
The government of Pakistan is looking for all options ranging from import to development of new energy resources amidst the current situation. Loading shedding in the major cities has started to increase above 5 hours a day as the mercury has started rising above 40 degrees Celsius and air-conditioning systems are being turned on by the consumers. The country is yet to see a mass awareness drive for conservation of energy as trumpeted by the new government about three weeks ago.
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