QINGDAO: Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, met with Zhang Jianhua, Administrator of the Chinese National Energy Administration (NEA) on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in Qingdao.
The minister extended warm congratulations on the successful organization of the conference, highlighting the critical role of the Belt and Road Energy Partnership (BREP) as a global catalyst for energy cooperation, security, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the BREP exemplifies China’s effective diplomacy and serves as a beacon of its global leadership in energy security.
During their discussions, Minister Leghari reflected on the significant historic visit of Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He expressed deep gratitude to the NEA for its ongoing support in addressing Pakistan’s pressing energy shortages, particularly during a period marked by severe power outages.
Since 2013, the collaboration between Pakistan and China has resulted in the commissioning of 15 energy projects, contributing over 8,000 MW of electricity to Pakistan’s national grid. With the commencement of the second phase of CPEC, both leaders expressed a strong desire to enhance and deepen their energy cooperation, particularly focusing on modernizing Pakistan’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Minister Leghari conveyed his heartfelt condolences regarding the tragic loss of two Chinese engineers in a terrorist incident in Karachi on October 6, 2024. He condemned the attack targeting Chinese nationals and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security measures to ensure the safety of all Chinese personnel within its borders.
The minister also extended a cordial invitation to Administrator Zhang for an official visit to Pakistan in the near future, signaling a commitment to continued collaboration and partnership in the energy sector.