Good News on IPPs
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Awais Leghari announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will deliver encouraging news regarding Independent Power Producers (IPPs) within the next month or two, according to a report on Tuesday.
Speaking at a youth convention in Islamabad, the Energy Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the pressing energy crisis in the country.
Leghari emphasized the importance of implementing reforms in the energy sector, stating, “Reforms are inevitable in the energy sector.”
He elaborated on the severe financial challenges faced by the sector, revealing that energy billing has surged to 1,100 billion rupees, with losses amounting to 400 billion rupees.
Leghari shed light on the government’s strategy in dealing with the IPPs, noting that they had been working diligently behind the scenes to address the issues.
“We silently worked over the issue of the IPPs, but all and sundry joined the bandwagon,” Leghari remarked.
He suggested that this increased attention on the matter had worked to the government’s advantage, as it exerted additional pressure on the IPPs.
The Energy Minister underscored the significance of the government’s achievements, asserting that they had managed to negotiate with the IPPs within the constraints of international contracts.
“We convinced the IPPs within the limits of international contracts,” he said. Leghari also pointed out that the government had accomplished in three-and-a-half months what had previously been considered impossible in Pakistan’s history.
“We did the work in three-and-a-half months, which didn’t happen in Pakistan’s history,” he proudly stated.
Leghari assured that the upcoming announcement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would bring widespread benefits to both the public and industries.
“Within a month or two, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will give good news to the public and industries,” he said, adding that “everyone will benefit from it.”
Furthermore, Leghari disclosed that a task force has been established to tackle the energy crisis, with members from various agencies included to ensure a comprehensive approach.
This task force is expected to play a crucial role in the government’s continued efforts to reform the energy sector and mitigate the ongoing challenges.
The Minister’s statements signal a concerted effort by the government to not only address the immediate energy crisis but also to lay the groundwork for long-term reforms that could stabilize and improve the sector.
The anticipated announcement by the Prime Minister is expected to be a significant milestone in these efforts, offering relief and optimism to a nation grappling with energy issues.
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