Circular debt to be eliminated till 2020: power minister

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Power, Petroleum and Natural Resources Omar Ayub Khan said on Friday that the circular debt would be eliminated till 2020. Addressing a press conference, the minister lamented the incumbent government inherited a Rs650 billion circular debt from the previous government. He said the government has been taking measures to check power theft and vowed to eradicate it completely. “80 per cent feeders have been cleared of power theft,” the minister said, adding 3,000 megawatts of electricity were added to the power system by eradicating electricity theft. He said the government is setting up new power projects in Pakistan using its own resources and by 2025 20 per cent energy produced in the country will be through alternative sources. He said this portion will increase to over 30 per cent by 2030.

No load shedding being carried out during Iftar, Sehri

Omar Ayub said 60 per cent electricity is being produced from imported fuel due to flawed policies of the previous government. He said no load shedding is being carried out during Iftar and Sehri in Ramazan.

Power sector saw increase of Rs81 billion in its income

Taking jibe at opposition parties, the minister said the PTI government is bringing about a revolutionary change in the country due to which they are worried. He said the power sector saw an increase of Rs81 billion in its income during a period between October-April as compared to the previous year. He said the previous government left a power shortfall for the incumbent government to deal with.