Punjab Energy Minister Visits Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Plant, Bhikki

By Dr. Ansab Ali, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: On the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Energy Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar visited the Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Plant in Bhikki, Sheikhupura, to review its performance, operations, and technological systems. CEO Rana Abdul Jabbar and other plant officials were present during the visit.

The Minister inspected the control room, turbine hall, cooling system, and safety units, and received a detailed briefing on the plant’s security protocols and safety systems. He also inaugurated new offices and planted saplings as part of a tree plantation initiative.

Officials highlighted that since 2018, the plant has supplied over 45 billion units of electricity to the national grid, helping to significantly reduce load-shedding with affordable and clean energy. Operating at 61.60% efficiency, the plant meets global performance standards while maintaining a zero-accident and zero-environmental-violation record.

The plant has planted over 50,000 trees, established a Gynae & Paeds OPD at DHQ Sheikhupura worth Rs 192 million, and provides free medical services to more than 44,000 patients. Additionally, it has contributed Rs 202 million in flood relief assistance. The Minister praised the plant administration for its drone- and robotics-based predictive maintenance systems.

Speaking to the media, Minister Khokhar said that in line with Chief Minister Sharif’s vision, the government will continue to implement policies for low-cost, reliable electricity. He emphasized that modern, efficient energy projects like the Bhikki plant are vital to Pakistan’s energy security and will remain a key focus for the Punjab government.