The Prime Minister was briefed that the project, costing a total of $1.5 billion, would comprise two power houses, each generating 660MW of power which would be added to the national grid. The Prime Minister had last year laid the foundation of the project which is a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The Chinese authorities expressed their satisfaction over the security situation and the support, provided by the government of Pakistan.
They told that the first tranche of $200 million had already been released for the project while international standards were observed for completion of the project. Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir and Minister for Water, Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong and other high officials accompanied the Prime Minister. Earlier, the Prime Minister was given a briefing on Port Qasim Authority projects including existence of 250 industries set up in its allocated zone, besides 8 operational terminals.
The Port Qasim is the most busy and income generating port in the country, contributing immensely to the national economy. It was informed that an LNG terminal was also made operational within record period of eleven months, converting LNG into gas. The government has been working on LNG power projects which would generate about 3600 MW power.