Pakistan Prime Minister to attend energy project launching in Tajikistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Tajikistan on May 11-12 to attend the Launching Ceremony of CASA-1000 Power Project, officials said on Tuesday.

Under CASA-1000 Project, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will supply 1300 MW of electricity to Pakistan (1000 MW) and Afghanistan (300 MW) during the summer season. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.

CASA-1000 Project is a flagship project and the first of its kind that will link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in electricity grid.

President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has invited the prime minister and Afghan president to attend the ceremony to mark work on the project.

The leaders from participating countries and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in the Launching Ceremony of CASA-1000.

"The electricity purchased under this project will help mitigate electricity deficit of Pakistan in summer season. In this period there is surplus hydropower in Tajikistan and thus the project will create win-win situation for all," the Foreign Ministry said.

The project will go a long way in regional integration, which is very important for economic and social development of the region, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The prime minister will also have a bilateral meeting with the president of Tajikistan. The whole range of bilateral matters, including trade, energy cooperation and defence cooperation will be discussed.

The leaders will also exchange views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry said.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Water and Power/Defence, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials.

Source: XINHUA