KARACHI: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Monday said that Thar coal is the best and cheapest solution to overcome chronic energy crisis in Pakistan.
Difference over Kalabagh Dam is against the national interests and in the interest of India that wants to destabilise Pakistan, it said. PEW President Dr Murtaza Mughal said that Thar coal is the most economical solution for ensuring energy security therefore it should be exploited and Chinese involvement should be enhanced.
He said that extra attention should be paid to exploit the treasure buried in Thar as the economy continue to suffer due to power outages. The president said that Thar cola can ensur
e energy security, help cut
oil import bill, earn forex reserves and provide jobs to millions of unemployed.
“We cannot afford to delay exploitation of one of the world’s largest lignite deposits estimated at 185 billion tonnes as it can ensur
e energy security for centuries and earn sufficient money to upgrade transmission a
nd distribution network across the
country,” he said.
He said that around 60 pe
rcent of energy is being imported disturbing budget while power requirement will swell by ten pe
rcent per annum calling for action. Authorities should revisit issues like facilities, infrastructure, incentives, coordination, tariff and pricing to get maximum benefit of reserves, he demanded.
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