Electricity crisis is an utmost challenge for Prime Minister Ashraf

In his first cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf vowed to resolve the energy crisis at the earliest. He issued a number of directives but those will only palliate the current crisis, not completely end it.

An MPA (Member of Provincial Assembly) of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) proposed a significant step to the federal government that could ease the electricity crisis and resolve many other issues as well. It was about the building of Kalabagh Dam that was not a new proposal at all.

However, it was not acceptable to all stakeholders, hence; former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani had closed this chapter. The incumbent government did not start any short or long-term power project during the previous four years.

The measures Raja Pervez Ashraf ordered will not lead to even a temporary solution of the problem. He gave the nation only a hope that the crisis will go down with the start of monsoon season.

The prolonged hours power outages have caused factories and industries to shut down and export orders to be cancelled, leaving thousands of people jobless. Without any doubt, the time has gone for mere alleviants.

On one hand, the premier claimed that his first priority would be to resolve the energy crisis, but on the other hand, he is going to establish a helipad at his private residence at government expenses.

What message the latest development will send to the international community when millions of people observe power outages up to 18 hours.

The people have no work, no food, no basic facilities and our leaders are enjoying all the perks of their positions while completely ignoring the country’s economy problems.

Although Raja Pervez Ashraf’s experience as Minster for Water and Power would stand him in good stead, he will have to take some bold steps to resolve the crisis.

Apart from measures to conserve the energy, the wind, solar and geothermal power are the best alternatives in the present scenario.

The choices and opportunities to make energy are always open. However, it is the sincerity and commitment of the government with the nation to make strategies for their betterment.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=27133

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jun 26 2012. Filed under Opinion, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.