ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the relevant authorities to expedite the privatization process of electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) and generation companies (GENCOS).
Chairing a meeting on the power sector in the federal capital, the Prime Minister emphasized that the privatization of the energy system leading to the establishment of a competitive electricity market was the sustainable solution to the country’s energy issues.
During the meeting, the premier was told that steps were being taken to privatize three distribution companies IESCO, FESCO and GEPCO and in this regard Expressions of Interest (EoIs) would be released soon.
The premier directed that relevant development projects be completed on priority to further improve the country’s electricity distribution system.
In order to adapt the electricity system to modern requirements, the Prime Minister ordered to initiate work on a battery energy storage system through public-private partnerships and the involvement of the private sector.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed about the progress of the power sector roadmap, power generation, distribution, privatization of DISCOS and GENCOS and other reforms underway in the power sector.
The Prime Minister was told that PC-I of 500 KV Ghazi Barotha-Faisalabad transmission line was at the approval stage.
Also, the technical feasibility of shifting the imported power plants to Thar Coal has been completed, while work on the railway line to transport Thar coal to the power plants is also underway.
The Prime Minister was also briefed on the operationalization of a competitive electricity market.
The concept approval proposal for the Battery Energy Storage System project has been approved and the feasibility study is underway, the Prime Minister stated.
The briefing added that as a result of continuous efforts, line losses had decreased compared to last year.
Danish University
Separately, the Prime Minister emphasized that Daanish University would concentrate on promoting technology and modern scientific disciplines.
He chaired the Daanish University Board of Trustees meeting in the federal capital.
The meeting focused on the university’s development, future plans and the establishment of a world-class inclusive institution aimed at promoting modern education and technological advancement, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The Prime Minister further directed that the university’s architecture should be designed in a simple yet dignified manner, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
He welcomed the chairman and board members and expressed best wishes for their efforts.
