December 02, 2008

No hike in electricity prices under consideration in Pakistan

The Daily news reported that Mr Raja Pervaiz Ashraf federal minister for water & power has dispelled rumors that Pakistan government is considering to increase electricity prices and said that it is taking various steps to curb power shortage in the country.

Mr Ashraf claimed that the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to meet the power demand on emergency basis. The government wants to resume closed power generation units and at the same time to increase power production capacity of the existing units. It is also considering rental power and trying to ensure the availability of about 2,200MW power before December 2008.

He informed that steps for meeting power crises include, putting off street lights, discourage use of heavy lighting during marriage and other ceremonies, two days weekly holiday, closer of trade markets at 8PM etc.

Mr Ashraf said that the JMC identified that there exists huge potential for collaboration in the food sector, corporate farming, telecommunication, information technology, software development, education, health and financial sector.