Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi
ISLAMABAD: Government has decided not to change the location of 300MW coal-fired power plant from Gwadar to Thar, apparently under pressure from China.
Chinese leadership conveyed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his last visit to Beijing that relocation of the power plant from Gwadar to Thar would mean a new project which China is not ready to do because it has decided not to launch any new coal projects, local media reported on Wednesday.
After the Prime Minister returned from his visit, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked for a written assurance from Islamabad that it will honor the commitment made to the Chinese leadership.
Power Plant discussed
During a meeting on CPEC project, the matter came under discussion in a cabinet meeting and finance minister Ishaq Dar reminded the participants that the issue is outstanding and Chinese authorities continue to highlight it. Some members like SAPM Tariq Fatemi urged for the early resolution of the matter.
After taking pros and cons of the relocation of the plant into account, the government decided to do not to shift it.
