PESHAWAR, Oct 29 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to prepare a comprehensive working paper on the province’s energy sector to effectively pursue pending issues with the federal government and ensure a sustainable solution to energy-related challenges.
Chairing an important meeting on the Energy and Power Department, the Governor was briefed by Adviser on Energy Usman Saifullah Khan, Secretary Energy Muhammad Zubair Khan and other senior officials on departmental affairs, ongoing development projects, pending issues with the federal government, net hydel profit dues and other matters related to the energy sector.
The meeting reviewed the progress and challenges facing the 94MW Gabral Kalam Hydropower Project, the 470MW Kurram Tangi (Kuria) Hydropower Project, the 229MW Kedam Hydropower Project and the Pehur Project. Participants also discussed issues relating to the oil and gas sector, gas excise duty, the LPG Policy 2016, allocation of a 10 percent LPG quota and the supply of 100 MMCFD gas to the industrial sector.
The Governor directed the department to formally write to the federal government regarding the pending net hydel profit dues and take effective measures to resolve the long-standing issue. He said close coordination would be maintained with the federal government to address energy challenges and protect the province’s legitimate rights.
The meeting was also informed about issues confronting various projects, including the Orakzai, Tirah and Miran Shah gas blocks. Governor Kundi said the provincial government would engage with relevant federal institutions to resolve gas and other energy-related matters and ensure that all legitimate concerns of the province were effectively taken up with the federation.
Emphasizing the importance of utilizing the province’s natural resources, the Governor said industrial development should be promoted to create new employment opportunities. He added that strengthening the industrial base would enable the province to make better use of facilities and incentives available from the federal government.
He further instructed the Adviser on Energy to prepare a detailed working paper containing concrete proposals on ongoing projects, future requirements and key issues facing the Energy Department so that the matters could be pursued with the federal government in a coordinated and effective manner.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
