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Summary
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has presented a 9-point formula for overcoming energy crisis in the country. The formula presented in the Chief Ministers conference on load shedding in Islamabad envisages equitable distribution of power between provinces, supply of electricity to industrial and agriculture sector on priority basis, complete ban on billboards, construction of Bhasha Dam, production of energy from coal, use of sugarcane trash (bagasse) for power generation, simplifying the official procedure for electricity generation projects in private sector, use of canal water for power generation as well as launching of a countrywide movement for energy conservation. Addressing the 2-day conference presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad on Monday, the Chief Minister stressed the need for immediate as well as long-term measures such as construction of new water reservoirs for overcoming power shortage. He said that public money was wasted ruthlessly and human blood was shed callously in Musharraf era but criminal negligence was shown towards such vital projects as Bhasha Dam. He said that had Bhasha Dam been constructed, the nation would not have been facing the existing excruciating situation. He said that situation in Punjab is grave as a totally unfair treatment is being meted out to the province regarding distribution of electricity. He said that there is a need for sharing each others joys and sorrows and the same spirit should be shown on the issue of load shedding as was displayed on NFC Award by the federation and the provinces. He said that he is happy that load shedding has not led to the closure of industries in Karachi and Punjab should also be treated at par. He said that currently Faisalabad, Gujranwala and other industrial cities of Punjab are facing the worst kind of loadshedding due to which export orders are being cancelled. He said that agriculture and industrial sectors should be given preference regarding supply of power because relief could not be provided to the common man if these sectors are not operating in the top gear. He said that if industrial and economic production is not maintained, the trade and export sectors will be adversely affected which will result in a setback to national economy. He said that two holidays in offices and educational institutions are not feasible and as far as reducing the timings of trade centers is concerned the cooperation of the business community will be required. Moreover, uninterrupted supply of power will have to be ensured to the commercial centers during their working hours. According to handout issued here on Monday, the Chief Minister proposed a complete ban on billboards for power conservation. He further said that the joint meeting of Chief Ministers in Islamabad reflects the gravity of the situation. He said that it is incumbent upon the leadership to give a good news to the people and redress their grievances otherwise a revolution will be inevitable.
