KARACHI: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Monday said that Thar coal is the best and cheapest solution to overcome chronic energy crisis in Pakistan.
Difference over Kalabagh Dam is against the national interests and in the interest of India that wants to destabilise Pakistan, it said. PEW President Dr Murtaza Mughal said that Thar coal is the most economical solution for ensuring energy security therefore it should be exploited and Chinese involvement should be enhanced.
He said that extra attention should be paid to exploit the treasure buried in Thar as the economy continue to suffer due to power outages. The president said that Thar cola can ensure energy security, help cut oil import bill, earn forex reserves and provide jobs to millions of unemployed.
“We cannot afford to delay exploitation of one of the world’s largest lignite deposits estimated at 185 billion tonnes as it can ensure energy security for centuries and earn sufficient money to upgrade transmission and distribution network across the country,” he said.
He said that around 60 percent of energy is being imported disturbing budget while power requirement will swell by ten percent per annum calling for action. Authorities should revisit issues like facilities, infrastructure, incentives, coordination, tariff and pricing to get maximum benefit of reserves, he demanded.