Pak, Iran agreed to expedite importing 1000 MW Power
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Masha Allah Shakeri on Thursday called on the Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf in his office and discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relation to further boost economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistan and Iran has agreed to expedite the process of importing 1000 MW power by Pakistan from Iran on fast track basis to early complete the project. They also agreed to work out the possibilities of import of additional 1000 MW power from Iran.
The Ambassador offered to supply power and gas and also wind turbines to Pakistan to promote alternative energy from Iran. He said that Iran also interested to work in the water sector of Pakistan. He said that joint investment companies may also be set up to boost economic ties in various other sectors. He also said that Iran is also interest to invest in infrastructure development project in Pakistan.
The Ambassador of Iran appreciated the growing economic situation of Pakistan and offered investment in water and power sectors particularly construction of dams. He also suggested for establishment of joint investment company to look into the exchange of expertise to pave way for investment opportunity in water and power sectors. He offered sizeable investment in Hydro-power plants and expressed intention to finance power projects in Pakistan.
The Minister, while welcoming the Iranian envoy said that Pakistan had a close brotherly relation with Iran. Pakistan values the help and support of Iran and is desirous of expanding bilateral trade at maximum possible extent.
The Minister lauded the offer of the Iranian side and said that Pakistan has already signed agreement to purchase of 25 MW electricity from Mund (Iran) and recently signed another agreement of 125 MW and 1000 MW from Iran.
He also assured his full support and assistance to facilitate Iranian investors to invest in water and power sectors in Pakistan. He also expressed that this meeting would further enhance the bilateral and trade relations between the two countries. He said that import of Iran will help to meet the energy crisis in Pakistan.
The Minister also invited the Energy Minister of Iran to visit Pakistan to further discuss the investment in water and power sector. Earlier, the ambassador expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He paid rich tribute to her and said that world has lost a great leader.