Connect Gilgit and Skardu to the National Grid, PM orders WAPDA

ISLAMABAD, Feb 15 (APP): A high level meeting under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday reviewed progress on hydel power projects in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with a view to accelerate their process of completion to meet energy requirements of the people.During the meeting held at Prime Minister House, the Prime Minister directed that the action plan should be implemented by the relevant ministries, adding that the projects below the capacity of 50 MW should be completed on top priority.

The Prime Minister directed Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power to get Skardu and Gilgit connected with the national grid, which would smoothen the supply of electricity to a great deal.

Chairman WAPDA Shakil Durrani apprised the meeting that the connectivity of Skardu and Gilgit with the National Grid would be completed with an estimated foreign funding of $ 100 million from the French Agency for Development.

Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan said that there were 108 projects in Gilgit with 137 MW generation capacity and their completion would be effected by 2016 with an estimated cost of Rs 137 billion.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Water & Power Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Kashmir Affairs & GB Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Chief Minister GB Syed Mehdi Shah, Secretary M/o Water & Power, Secretary EAD, Secretary Kashmir Affairs & GB, Chief Secretary GB, Chairman WAPDA and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.