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“Converted criticism into constructive energy”

10:25 AM | 26 May, 2017
“Converted criticism into constructive energy”
“We have converted criticism into constructive energy,” said the Chief Minister Punjab, Mr Shehbaz Sharif.

From the usage of land to the environmental costs of the project, all kinds of criticism have been levelled on the Sahiwal Coal Power Project. It is undoubtedly true that development has its hazards and all developing countries deal with them. However, according to project details, the 1320 MW coal-fired power plant uses “supercritical technology”.

Supercritical technology in power plant means that it uses higher temperature and pressure. This results in better efficiency, reduced fuel usage and less greenhouse gas emissions. Out of the total amount for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, over $30 billion are dedicated towards the energy sector of the country alone. The Sahiwal Coal Power Project is a one of its kind project in the recent or old history of Pakistan. Undeniably, never has the country witnessed the completion of a mega project in the energy sector with such speedy completion; 22 months, and 660 MW of energy served at a rate of Rs. 8.5/kWh.

This has set a world record in terms of project completion speed for the Chinese company Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy (Private) Limited. The project is based on a build, operate, transfer basis according to which, the plant's ownership will be transferred to the Government of Punjab after 30 years of operation. The project has so far produced thousands of employment opportunities. Raw materials for the plant, such as cement, wood, sand and other materials are being sourced from within Pakistan, which means local business may have received a slight boost as well. Plus, furniture was mainly procured from markets near Sahiwal.

It is important to mention here that the government has successfully handled efforts towards a developing Pakistan. The country is able to progress in competitive global markets in different sectors. In addition, the demand for power generation in Pakistan is expected to rise by 50% by the year 2025 according to NTDLC planning departments forecasting. Hence, Pakistan is in dire need of many such projects that are relatively cheaper and cost effective as well. Some other projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are also underway.

It becomes clearer with each passing day how CPEC is truly a game changer for the whole region. There is always criticism when development projects are undertaken. It is important to understand that electricity is also one of the basic demands of the people of Pakistan, and who acknowledges this fact better than the people themselves? With the government playing its part for solving the energy crisis in the country, we ignore how big an achievement it is and how momentous it is for the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan has all the potential for becoming the next big thing in terms of economic development and the process has already taken up the fast track. All that is needed is unity, faith, dedication and motivation of the people to support and attract all good things to Pakistan.

Chief Minister Punjab has also announced that the second unit 660 MW of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant will be available by the first week of June. Prime Minister Nawaz appreciated the leadership of CM Shehbaz which led to the early completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant in these words, "Hats off to you Shehbaz sahib for this tremendous job. You are our real hero. PMLN's hero!"

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Rupee recovers marginally against US dollar, Euro, Pound, Dirham and Riyal; check forex rates

Pakistani rupee saw marginal improvement against US dollar as it appreciated in the open bank market.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Thursday, the US dollar moved up and was being quoted at 285.3 for buying and 288.15 for selling.

Euro moves down to 311 for buying and 314 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 358.5 for buying, and 361.5 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED stands at 78 whereas the Saudi Riyal rate stands at 76.20.

Today's currency exchange rates in Pakistan - 30 November 2023

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 285.3 288.15
Euro EUR 311 314
UK Pound Sterling GBP 358.5 361.5
U.A.E Dirham AED 78 78.7
Saudi Riyal SAR 76.2 77
Australian Dollar AUD 187.2 189
Bahrain Dinar BHD 759.67 767.67
Canadian Dollar CAD 209 211
China Yuan CNY 39.58 39.98
Danish Krone DKK 41.38 41.78
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.63 36.98
Indian Rupee INR 3.39 3.5
Japanese Yen JPY 1.49 1.56
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 926.7 935.7
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.38 60.98
New Zealand Dollar NZD 173.44 175.44
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.25 26.55
Omani Riyal OMR 741.26 749.26
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 77.63 78.33
Singapore Dollar SGD 211 213
Swedish Korona SEK 26.93 27.23
Swiss Franc CHF 325.9 328.4
Thai Bhat THB 8.23 8.38

Gold rates in Pakistan increase; Check today’s gold rates 30 November 2023

KARACHI – The gold price continues to climb up in the local market in line of upward trend in international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 30 November 2023

On Thursday, the single tola of 24 Karat gold was available at Rs218,600, and the price for 10-gram gold reached Rs187,420.

Meanwhile, the 22 Karat Gold price stands at Rs200,380, 21 karat rate for each tola is Rs191,275 and 18k gold rate hoveres around Rs163,950.

In international market, the price of precious metal hovers around $2,045 per ounce.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Karachi PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Islamabad PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Peshawar PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Quetta PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Sialkot PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Attock PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Gujranwala PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Jehlum PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Multan PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Bahawalpur PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Gujrat PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Nawabshah PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Chakwal PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Hyderabad PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Nowshehra PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Sargodha PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Faisalabad PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675
Mirpur PKR 218,600 PKR 2,675

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