ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for the improvement of the power transmission network while directing the Ministry of Energy to enhance the utilization of renewable energy resources to reduce the country’s oil import bill, which costs billions of dollars to the national exchequer.
While addressing a high-level meeting regarding energy issues, Shehbaz Sharif stated that to minimize the oil import bill, worth billions of dollars, the country needs to transition towards renewable energy and utilize alternative resources like solar, wind, and hydel.
He further mentioned that this move would also help to discourage the crude oil tanker mafia, which acts as a parasite, consuming national funds.
The Prime Minister informed that currently, the country imports oil worth $27 billion to meet its power and transportation requirements, a cost that could be minimized by transitioning towards alternative energy sources.
Regarding transmission issues, the Prime Minister emphasized that strengthening the country’s power transmission system requires robust efforts and investment; otherwise, power production and investments in the relevant sector would suffer.
He directed the Ministry of Energy to engage world-class consultants to provide suggestions to the government on overcoming power transmission system issues in the country.
PM Concerns Over Recent Heavy Rain and Damages
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also expressed concern over the ongoing heavy rains affecting parts of the country and extended condolences for the lives lost.
He informed the participants about his directions to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate timely with provinces and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities for rapid supervision and dispatching of relief items to the affected areas.
