75% power will be generated through local resources by 2030: Omar Ayub

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan has said that 75 percent power will be generated through local resources by 2030. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan will start manufacturing solar panels and wind plates soon. He said that the projects had been started to generate 800MW power through wind. "Pakistan and Turkey resolved the Karkey rental power dispute amicably, which gave the benefit of Rs 200 billion to the country," he added. Omar Ayub said that Pakistan signed the best agreement over the power producers issue. "New transmission lines of 500KV and 220KV have been installed. We increased 2,800km transmission lines," he added. He said that they had regularized 8,390 employees. "We are creating opportunities of 10,000 jobs. We will try to reduce the circular debt and provide cheap electricity to the masses," he maintained. Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda said that the Dasu, Mohmand, Diamir and Bhasha dams are being constructed in the country. "Moreover, 112 small dams are also being constructed," he added. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Division Nadeem Babar said that 26 reservoirs of gas and oil had been discovered and tenders for 10 blocks had been invited in this regard. He said that the government is purchasing LNG at 20-25 percent less rate. "We are forced to purchase LNG at old rates according to the old agreements. We have signed agreements with two big companies which will start working in December," he added. He said that five private terminals have been granted permission for LNG.