Mianwali, 14 July, 2023 (GNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Chinese officials, performed the groundbreaking ceremony the of 1200 megawatts Chashma-5 nuclear power plant in Mianwali. In his address, the Prime Minister assured that the risk of potential default has been completely averted due to the collective efforts of the Pakistani government and institutions.
On the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that the cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of nuclear energy dates back thirty years. Highlighting the significance of the Chashma-5 project, Shehbaz hailed it as a “huge milestone” in the bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China. He said this project signifies the joint commitment to clean, efficient, and affordable energy, setting an example for other nations.
However, he emphasized the need to reduce the installation period, claiming that doing so would be extremely beneficial for the Pakistani people. He also thanked China for providing a discount of 30 billion rupees on this project and termed it as a kind gesture from Chinese friends.
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The premier expressed confidence in the transparent and sincere partnership between the companies involved and anticipated the completion of the project costing 3.5 billion dollars within the next seven to eight years. He highlighted the project’s importance in meeting the energy needs of Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
Shehbaz Sharif claimed that he inaugurated the K-3 nuclear energy power plant in Karachi a few months ago. This facility is currently functioning and has the same advanced technology as the C-5. He said the safety measures are unrivalled, and the IAEA head also gave his approval in this regard.
The Prime Minister commended China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for their recent financial assistance and claimed that the persistent efforts of all the components of the government of Pakistan had completely averted the risk of a potential default.
In her remarks on the occasion, Ms. Pang Chunxue, Charge D’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the project’s positive impact on the economy by saying it will provide over ten thousand local jobs and a large number of raw materials, equipment, and related services will be purchased locally fostering socio-economic development.
She claimed that fourteen energy projects under the CPEC have been put into commercial operation with an installed capacity of 8,000 megawatts. She further said China and Pakistan’s cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy has achieved remarkable success, and the two countries will continue to work together for a closer China-Pakistan Community with a shared future in the new era.
Furthermore, the Chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation stated our nuclear energy cooperation has been an essential part of China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership and a shining example of international nuclear energy collaboration.
Moreover, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Cooperation, Raja Ali Raza Anwar, underlined that Chashma-5 would contribute to producing 8800 megawatts of clean nuclear energy, leading to socio-economic uplift.
