Karachi
President Arif Alvi here on Saturday said that the execution of run of the river power projects was a better option than the construction of big dams which raised ecological concerns. Addressing a session held here to promote investment in alternative sources of energy, he said, power generation via run of river technique was being efficiently done on community levels in the upper riparian areas.
Referring to country’s potential in nuclear energy, he said it was also a good power source but the disposal of nuclear waste was an issue besides other allied problems of international politics. Highlighting importance of investment in cost effective as well environmentally safe power generation, he suggested need to make optimum use of natural sources. Reiterating that country holds capacity to generate electricity through varied means and can well afford the option of safe mix of energy, the President of Pakistan said this was critically needed in face of “global warming.”
“Its impact on ecology and reported affect on almost 80% insect population is a warning that cannot be ignored by the world in general,” he commented. Appreciative of heavy investment in the wind energy sector, he said growing investment in solar power sector was also a positive development as investment in the related infrastructure was also getting cost effective turning it into an efficient and cheap source of electricity for many. “I am also looking forward to get the presidency shifted to solar energy while country’s parliament house already put on it some five years ago,” said President Alvi.
Having served as a parliamentarian, a public representative, for a considerable time period he said that he had a good idea about the situation with regard to public needs and interventions being made by them on self help basis. President Alvi referred to instances in different parts of the country including parts of Balochistan where people in their individual capacities were going for solar energy. “Culture to make optimum of the sun light which is freely available to us – starting our day and work early and winding it up by sun set could be an ideal option,” said president.
With regard to Pakistan being turning increasingly attractive option for foreign investments, he said Pakistan was presently on the tipping point that came in the life of a nation when they were mature enough to accept challenges. “Pakistanis provided refuge to 3.5 million Afghans for 30 long years and also boldly faced its aftermath in form of Klashinkov culture besides defending itself against terrorism,” he elaborated. Reiterating that Pakistan has emerged to be morally strong he referred to recent war hysteria registered in a neighbouring country whereas all Pakistanis were unanimously found, under the leadership of PM Imran Khan, to be talking of peace.
“The only thing that is holding us back is the cost we are paying in terms of economic difficulties,” said President Alvi. “We in our country have to reduce our expenses and pay our taxes,” he emphasized. Referring to his meeting with all stakeholders from business community to other segments, he said not to have come across any genuine excuse against taxation. Culture of not to pay taxes, he said, was deep rooted and even referred to recently published clipping of a 1955 news item of Dawn which said, “Taxes Have to be Paid and Black Money has to be Handed”. The session was also addressed by Chairman, Foreign Investment Board, Zubair Gillani and heads of local as well as foreign companies related to energy sectors.—APP
