Talks on power exports to Pak move further

Indian and Pakistani experts have agreed to conduct feasibility studies and identify points for the proposed import of 500 MW of electricity from India, Pakistani officials said in Islamabad today.

The matter was discussed during the second meeting of a group of experts from the two countries in Islamabad on Thursday.

Pakistan is considering importing power from India to overcome a crippling energy shortfall that has affected industrial output and triggered violent protests in several cities.

The experts discussed proposals for electricity trade, including the building of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) link to transfer 500 MW of power from India to Pakistan, officials said.

Besides agreeing to conduct feasibility studies on both sides of the border, the experts discussed means of raising funds for infrastructure requirements.

All these issues will be discussed further at the next meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi in October, officials said.