Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur, a 100 megawatt solar project, with a promise to end the energy crisis in the country by 2018.

A committee comprising members from China and Pakistan have congregated to oversee and ensure the timely completion of this $46 billion project. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said, “These power projects spread a positive message to the investors, who were unable to invest due to electricity shortage previously.” He also added  the solar park was not only the biggest solar project of Pakistan but of the world and the energy crisis now sees light to overcome the second most important issue of power consumption in the country.

“Load-shedding will end by 2017-2018,” the prime minister announced.

The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park project promises to produce 1000 megawatt electricity while the Thar Coal Power project along with other pipeline projects will collectively add 10400 megawatt of electricity to the national grid in the future. This will be a major achievement for the current government in addition to significantly bringing down the cost of electricity by 5.79 rupees per unit. The Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif also shared that the Solar Park is an investment made by China making the project another milestone in strengthening Pakistan and China’s friendship ties.

The first phase of this project was completed at a cost of $131 million in one year.

Pakistan continues to develop and revolutionise its infrastructure, to ensure international investment and partnerships are encouraged and furthered. At SIEM Pakistan, we look forward to working with you in your international student recruitment efforts. Please click here to view the annual activity calendar.

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