The government’s flagship project of 600-MW solar plant at Muzaffargarh (South Punjab) is reportedly in danger as Planning Commission (PC) has refused to extend funding due to resources constraint during the current fiscal year. Planning Commission, sources said, has conveyed its inability to arrange funds in response to Ministry of Energy.
Majid Hussain Memon, Assistant Chief, in a letter, duly approved by the Secretary Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has informed Power Division that due to non-availability of savings at this stage under Public Sector Development Plan (2022-23), it is not feasible to provide additional funds of Rs 3.958 billion as Cash Development Loan (CDL) to Power Division for two unbudgeted projects approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on October 28, 2022 titled, land acquisition for installation of 600 MW solar power plant at district Muzaffargarh, (Rs 1.4 billion ) and land acquisition for installation of 600 MW solar power plant at Tehsil Athara, district Jhang (Rs 2.558 billion).
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives advised Power Division to explore possible savings within its budgeted portfolio and meet the minimum pressing demand of these projects through re-appropriation during CFY. In September last year, the government had unveiled its policy on fast- track development of solar PV projects at an investors’ conference to offer projects of 600 MW.
