National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Wednesday left here for Tajikistan on a two-day official visit where he will attend the launching ceremony of Central Asia-South Asia 1000 (CASA-1000) project on May 12.
The Prime Minister’s delegation included Minister for Water and Power
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs,Syed Tariq Fatemi and senior officials.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of President of Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon.
The leaders from participating countries and other stakeholders are also
expected to participate in the launching ceremony of CASA-1000.
Under CASA-1000 Project, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will supply 1300 MW
of electricity to Pakistan (1000 MW) and Afghanistan (300 MW) during the summer season. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.
The electricity purchased under this project will help mitigate
electricity deficit of Pakistan in summer season. In this period there is surplus hydropower in Tajikistan and thus the project will create win-win situation for all.
The CASA-1000 Project is a flagship project and the first of its kind
that will link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in electricity grid.
“The project will go a long way in regional integration, which is very
important for economic and social development of the region,” the Foreign Office said.
The Prime Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with the President
of Tajikistan.
The whole range of bilateral matters, including trade, energy
cooperation and defence cooperation will be discussed. The leaders will also exchange views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest.