Summary The PM directed the Committee to take immediate steps for early start of TAPI gas pipeline project.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The ninth meeting of Cabinet Committee presided over by Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif regarding energy was held in PM House Islamabad today (Thursday), Dunya News reported.
According to sources, the meeting was attended by Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Railway Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.
During the meeting issues regarding Turkemenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, import of electricity from Iran and installation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plants were discussed.
The officials briefed the PM about the LNG import and assured that LNG terminal Port Qasim will be completed in the next two months whereas the LNG import from Iran faces delay due to international pressure.
PM approved rapid finalization of the Gawadar-Nawab Shah gas pipe-line project under Pak-China Economic Corridor.
The Cabinet committee also gave approval for initiating negotiations with Malaysia, China, Nigeria, Trinidad and Algeria for import of LNG whereas consultation in this regard is already under way with Qatar. Further, it was also decided that an improved mechanism would be devised for LNG payments on regular basis to avoid any complications in this regard.
Moreover, the committee also gave approval of the North-South gas pipeline project with Russia, Qatar and China and decided to lay down a 42-inch diameter gas pipeline along National Highway (N-5).
The PM directed the Committee that steps should be taken on immediate basis for early start of the 1680-km TAPI gas pipeline which would be immensely beneficial in providing energy security to the region.
