Islamabad, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government’s commitment to high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during discussions with Zhang Jianghua, Chairman of the National Energy Administration of China, in Beijing. The talks centered on advancing the second phase of CPEC, focusing particularly on the Green Corridor initiative and enhancing the energy sector’s efficiency and sustainability in Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Iqbal underscored the significant contributions of the first phase of CPEC, particularly in energy projects that have helped alleviate power outages in Pakistan. He outlined the government’s plans to diversify the country’s energy mix towards clean and renewable sources in the forthcoming phase of CPEC. Both sides discussed various initiatives to reform Pakistan’s energy sector to make it more efficient and affordable, which includes efforts to reduce line losses and curb power theft.

The meeting also touched on the importance of safety and security for Chinese nationals working on projects in Pakistan, with Iqbal briefing the Chinese delegation on the steps taken by the government in this regard. Discussions also covered the diversification of energy sources for electricity production and the early implementation of the Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydro Power Projects.

Both parties agreed to continue their collaboration and to convene the next round of the Joint Working Group meeting on Energy soon, emphasizing the critical role of the Joint Coordination Committee, the highest decision-making body of CPEC. This series of engagements in Beijing by Minister Iqbal is part of the preparations for the upcoming Prime Minister’s visit to China.