Neelum-Jehlum project proof of Pak-China friendship: PM Abbasi

MUZAFFARABAD - Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is addressing an inaugurate ceremony of first unit of Neelum Jhelum Hydropower project in Muzaffarabad today (Friday).

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said that the success of the project was proof the time-tested friendship of Pakistan and China.

He said that the incumbent government completed the project despite facing immense challenges. The premier added that for the first time in Pakistan's history, the energy generation base has been diversified.

He said that this project would have never realised if Nawaz Sharif had not taken the steps.

He added that public always remembers those who work for them, adding that the nation will take final decision in 2018 general elections.

The leaders who work for the public are dragged into the courts, Abbasi said in what appeared to be a reference to corruption cases against members of Sharif family.

The premier called for an end to Indian atrocities in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, adding that Pakistan will continue to highlight the issue.

He said that the situation at Line of Control (LoC) was not hidden from anyone, adding that India resorted to unprovoked firing when pressure was developed on it.

The first unit is contributing 60 MW of electricity to the national grid system and will reach its full capacity 242 MW in the next two days.

The hydropower project is an engineering marvel as 90% of the project being underground in the high mountain areas. It comprises three main components i.e. a dam, water-way system comprising 52-km long tunnels and an underground powerhouse.

It will also provide about five billion low-cost hydel electricity to the National Grid every year. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at Rs.55 billion.