Daily 100MW Electricity Supply from Iran to Gwadar Announced
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed a significant development on Thursday, announcing Iran's commitment to supply 100 megawatts of electricity daily to Gwadar in Balochistan. This initiative is part of the Polan-Gabd electricity transmission line project, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi. During a media briefing at the Mand-Pishin border crossing point, the Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of this transmission line in meeting the region's energy demands, enhancing the well-being of households and businesses by importing an additional 100MW of electricity from Iran.
P.c. Pakistan Today
In a separate interview with Iran's official news agency IRNA, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with Iran, underscoring that these energy projects and border markets symbolize the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Iran. He described both nations as brotherly countries with deep-rooted religious, cultural, and linguistic ties, actively collaborating for the betterment and socio-economic progress of their people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that the Mand-Pishin border marketplace and the Polan-Gabd electricity project represent tangible expressions of this commitment, serving as a foundation for expanded collaboration, especially in the economic sphere.
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that the project, which had been pending since 2009, was completed in a remarkable four-month timeframe under Prime Minister Shehbaz's leadership. She expressed confidence that the project would unlock development, trade, business, and employment opportunities, contributing to the future prosperity of Gwadar and Balochistan.
The Mand-Pishin border sustenance market is poised to become a thriving hub for cross-border trade, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for local businesses. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the role of border markets in enhancing trade and fostering development between the two nations. This market is one of six such markets planned along the Pakistan-Iran common border.
In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Raisi planted a sapling on the border market premises, signifying their commitment to advancing bilateral relations.
Moreover, Pakistan and Iran have mutually agreed to expedite work on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and finalize it as soon as possible. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made this announcement during a productive meeting with tribal elders and dignitaries in Gwadar. He expressed his eagerness to boost trade activities between both countries, covering a wide range of sectors such as trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, power, energy, and more.
The joint inauguration of these projects reflects the strong commitment of Pakistan and Iran to improve the well-being of the residents of Balochistan and Sistan-o-Baluchestan, the neighboring provinces of the two nations, underlining their enduring partnership.