Despite Chinese Assistance, Pakistan Still Struggles To ‘Lighten’ Up

Despite China stepping in to help Pakistan generate power, Pakistan’s failing distribution grid may lead to the country being unable to ‘light’ up.

“The system has already collapsed, really the system is just existing because the government every few months will churn out some money, dole out some money and the system keeps on working,” an official said, describing the distribution network as essentially ‘bankrupt’.

Pakistan faces severe power cuts due to chronic shortage as well as distribution issues. No sooner than Imran Khan was elected the PM, an all-night power cut was seen in Karachi. There is a need for improvement in the distribution system and the removal of thefts from the plant is vital for its survival and growth.

China and Pakistan have put their workers to complete the construction of a 660 MW power plant in Pakistan’s Tharpakar desert to ensure it stays ahead of schedule. Engro Corp, among the biggest conglomerates in Pakistan is partnering with China to generate electricity from the plant beginning December.

China has assisted Pakistan in generating over 11,000 MW in the past five years. Infrastructure projects worth $60 billion has been invested by the Chinese as a part of the Belt and Road initiative, reports Business Standard.

Engro was previously owned by Exxon Mobil Corp. The project aims to receive investments of over $9 billion by 2024.