PM Nawaz inaugurates K-2 power plant in Karachi

KARACHI (Staff Report) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the K-2 power project at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp) during his one-day visit to the Sindh capital.

It will be the largest power plant in the country and will be built by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Upon completion, the project will generate 1,100MW electricity.

Terming the occasion an "important day in Pakistan's history", the prime minister said the project was a result of cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of science and technology.

"The construction of K-2 and K-3 power plants will further strengthen the steadfast friendship between the two nations," he added.

The prime minister thanked the Chinese government, CNNC, and other Chinese organisations for their cooperation in the construction of nuclear power plants.

The groundbreaking of K-2 and K-3 power plants was performed by the prime minister in November last year.

The World Nuclear Association had earlier estimated the cost of the new project at nearly $10 billion.

The project had been in the media spotlight for quite some time with representatives of civil society organisations raising a number of reservations over it, with the chief concern being the close proximity of the project to the city.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in Karachi on a one-day visit to review the security situation of the country's biggest city.

According to sources, prime minister is expected to meet federal and provincial ministers, and senior officials of the law enforcing authorities at the Chief Minister House.

PM Sharif may also meet MQM leaders to discuss the crisis caused by their parliamentarian resignations.

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