ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the need for focussing on promoting alternative energy sources, especially solar energy, to address the country's energy needs.
While chairing a crucial meeting on affairs of the Petroleum Division here Wednesday, the premier called for formulating a strategy regarding the gasification of Thar coal, observing that the Thar Coal project held great significance in meeting the energy needs of Pakistan.
In this respect, Shehbaz directed that all necessary steps should be taken for laying down a railway line for the transportation of Thar coal across Pakistan.
During the meeting, the PM received a briefing on the progress and proposals regarding the petroleum and gas sectors.
He was briefed that despite having a very low carbon footprint, Pakistan was the fifth most affected country by the adverse effects of climate change.
During the meeting, it was informed that a plan of action would be prepared regarding the increase in gas production and smart metres would be installed to prevent theft from oil and gas pipelines.
The PM was informed that a policy was being worked on for the promotion of electric bikes and vehicles and electrical home appliances.
It was further informed during the briefing that the proposals regarding deregulation of the Petroleum Sector would be worked on, while activities for the exploration of petrol and gas would be fully digitised.
The prime minister was also briefed on the strategies being devised to increase oil and gas production at the local level as well as the steps being initiated for the promotion of biofuels.