Entire power system to be restored by evening: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif on Monday said that the entire power system disrupted by sabotage activities would be restored by this evening.

Addressing a press conference regarding electricity supply, he said that efforts were being made to ensure zero load-shedding to the industries in the next two to three days. He, however, said that up to eight hours load-shedding would be carried out in the rural areas and up to six hours in urban areas.

Asif said that steps have been taken to enhance security of power installations and an inquiry has also been ordered into the power breakdown over the weekend, and a report would be submitted within 48 hours. He said that USAID and China State Grid have been requested for technical assistance to avoid complete blackouts in future.

The Minister ruled out any power crisis due to shortage of oil and said that 12 cargoes have been booked through the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) which would start arriving from January 27. He said that his ministry owed around 170 billion rupees to PSO and they are trying to pay off the amount in installments.

He further said that an agreement with K-Electric had expired and the government will contact them for a new agreement with fresh terms and conditions.

He pointed out that the country is faced with the issue of load-shedding and it would take two to three years to address the issue.