ISLAMABAD: Improvement in the capacity of transmission lines besides checking the power theft is imperative to meet our energy needs, Energy expert Dr. Shoaib said here Monday. Talking to a private news channel, he said the plan to complete two power plants with a capacity of 1,320 MW (Gadani power plants) by 2017 is a very positive step and it will relieve the burden of load-shedding to some extent.  He feared if the private investors are involved in these projects, the negative environmental efffects may rise out of development of these power plants.  Dr. Shoaib suggested that the Prime Minister should focus on the issue of non-payment of bills by the federal and provincial govts. 

He said a positive aspect of the Gadani power plants is that the Balochistan government has allotted 5,000 acres land for the projects which is a positive development.  A business leader Majeed Aziz also said that one of the major causes for the energy crises in Pakistan is politicizing economic decisions.  He said the plan to set up 66,000 MW coal-based Gadani power plants is a right decision but infrastructure needs to be built at Gadani port at the war footing. Majeed Aziz said public-private partnership needs to be encouraged to overcome energy crisis.