South Asian News Agency reported that Pakistan National Assembly was informed that work on 35 mega hydel projects have been initiated which will add about 35,000 MW electricity to the national grid.

Responding to a call attention notice moved by Mr Chaudhary Barjees Tahir and others, minister for religious affairs Mr Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah told the House that these projects will be completed during the next three to eight years and help provide cheap electricity to the consumers. Besides, he said Thar Coal is also being explored on fast track basis and electricity generation from there will start during the next two years.

He said the electricity tariff have gone up due to heavy reliance on Thermal electricity generation and the exploitation of indigenous resources including hydel, gas and coal will help bring down its prices.

The minister said the proposal to increase the power tariff during peak hours in the evening is under consideration as part of efforts to conserve energy. He however, clarified that this will not be applicable on the lifeline consumers.

Responding to a point of order, minister for religious affairs Mr Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah told the House the Pakistan International Airlines has decided to get new aircraft on lease. Eleven new aircraft will be inducted into the PIA fleet by March 2012 which will help improve its efficiency.

The National Assembly admitted for discussion an adjournment motion regarding the gas load shedding across the country.

The motion was moved by Chaudhary Barjees Tahir. The government did not oppose the motion.

(Sourced from www.sananews.net)