Iran Company Offers Quick Solution To Pakistan’s Energy Crisis

Islamabad, June 2, IRNA – An Iran based global company has offered immediate solution to Pakistan’s prevalent power crisis, which has pulled economy down and crippled general life, a media report said on Saturday. ‘Daily Times’ reported that Iran Power Plant Projects Management Company (MAPNA), the sixth largest power company in the world said it could bridge gap between demand and supply of electricity within months. A delegation headed by Muhammad Hussain Baqeri, head of international communications of MAPNA told Murtaza Mughal, President of the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) that Iran’s installed capacity is 70,000 megawatts (MW) out of which MAPNA was providing 67,000 MW and we could easily provide up to 10,000 MW to Pakistan on most economical rates as compared to any neighboring country. Pakistan’s current electricity shortfall stands at 7,000 MW. Baqeri said MAPNA having 39 subsidiaries has its own gas fields and power plants construction facilities. It has been operating in 18 countries and it can also build power plants having international standards within 15 months with 20 percent discounted rates. He said the 30 billion euro Company has interests in oil and gas, wind power and railways and it would like Pakistan to improve its railways. The delegation expressed interest in the setting up power plants of 1,000 MW capacity and to supply and install 25 MW small power plants on ground as well as on barges to help Pakistan in overcoming the energy crisis on urgent basis. Murtaza Mughal welcomed the Company to start operations in Pakistan and asked them to forward solid proposals for maintenance of power plants as their ability has been compromised due to neglect spanned over a decade. He said Pakistani policymakers should consider negotiating construction of large-scale power plants with Iranian enterprise. A new business friendly government is set to take charge, which will improve overall investment environment in Pakistan and boost confidence of local and foreign investors, said Mughal./end