The Prime Minister said Chashma-III project was a reflection
of solid foundation of friendship between Pakistan and China.
He felicitated the nation on completion of the project, which
besides adding 340 megawatts electricity to national grid would
also contribute to development of the region.
He recalled that the agreement on Chashma-I power project was
concluded during his earlier tenure of government.
He said the completion of K2 and K3 power plants would not
only generate 2,200 megawatt electricity but also strengthen ties
between the two countries.
He expressed satisfaction over assurance given by the
authorities for completion of Chashma-IV by April 2017 instead of
the earlier deadline of mid-2017.
He said besides expansion of nuclear projects, the government
was also mindful of ensuring their safety standards and expressed
satisfaction over the vigilance of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory
Authority.
Nawaz Sharif said the government would fulfill needs of
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in its projects and also thanked
China Atomic Energy Commission, China National Nuclear Commission
and Exim Bank for providing financial and technical support.
He invited the Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s power
sector and assured them of the government’s fullest assistance.
He said Pakistan and China being close friends were
collaborating in diverse areas, mainly China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) and infrastructure projects.
The prime minister mentioned that the government with Chinese
assistance was building highways in Balochistan, constructing modern
airport in Gwadar and upgrading railways system.
He said power projects were being built in all provinces,
adding there was a tremendous potential for Sino-Pak collaboration
in energy sector.
The prime minister lauded the services of staffers of Chashma-
III power project and announced a two-month bonus with their
salaries in recognition to their hard work.
Chairman PAEC Muhammad Naeem said the environment-friendly Chashma nuclear projects were in accordance with the international safety standards.
The completion of Chashma-III would not only meet the national
requirements of electricity but would also ensure continuity of
economic activity, he added.
The vice president of CNNC said China’s cooperation with
Pakistan in nuclear energy was for peaceful purposes and reflected
strategic nature of their relationship.
He said nuclear projects were one of the important resources
of sustainable energy and economy.
He felicitated Pakistan government on completion of Chashma-III and said China would further strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy.
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif, PM’s Adviser on
Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, State Minister for Water and Power Abid
Sher Ali and Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt Gen Mazhar
Jameel were present.