Punjab to See Major Changes in Energy and Industry in Next Three Years: Minister

By Dr Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Energy Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has said that big changes will take place in Punjab’s energy and industrial sectors over the next three years.

He said this during a visit to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) head office, where he was briefed on the energy needs of the textile sector and the problems industries are facing due to high energy costs.

Proposal for New Industrial Park

APTMA proposed that the Punjab government develop a 2,000-acre modern industrial park, divided into five zones. They said the park should be built on the model of Chinese industrial zones with the help of Chinese investors.

Industries Going Off-Grid

APTMA told the minister that many factories in Punjab are going off-grid because of expensive and unstable electricity.

Under LESCO, more than 2,200 industrial units have gone off-grid in five years.

In MEPCO, more than 2,700 units have also gone off-grid.

They warned that this is hurting provincial revenue and industrial growth. APTMA suggested that the government adopt a grid–solar hybrid energy system urgently.

Government Plans for Energy Reform

Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar said a committee of the Energy Department and APTMA will be formed to prepare an energy plan for industries.

He said the Punjab government is working on several projects, including:

Solarizing schools, hospitals, and public buildings

Expanding biogas plants

Waste-to-energy projects

Exploring wind energy in Rajanpur, Pothohar, and Kallar Kahar

He promised that the proposal for the 2,000-acre industrial park will be considered on priority.

APTMA Welcomes Minister’s Visit

APTMA appreciated the minister’s visit and said cooperation between the government and industry will help increase production, exports, and economic stability.