Pakistan’s Third 330 MW Nuclear Power Plant Becomes Operational

Pakistan’s third nuclear electric power plant went operational Thursday, pumping another 330 MW into the national grid in a bid to help meet country’s growing energy demand and cut down the shortfall.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani inaugurated the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (CHASNUPP-2), located near Chashma Barrage on the left bank of River Indus, 32 kilometres south of Mianwali city and, 280 kms south-west of Islamabad.

Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar, Acting Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Dr Ansar Parvez accompanied the Prime Minister. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shamim Wyne, Lt Gen (R) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Director General, Strategic Plans Division and Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masood Khan were also present.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister termed the moment as a proud day for Pakistan and its civil nuclear energy programme. He said the completion of Chashma-2 three months ahead of the scheduled time was a reward for the joint efforts of Chinese and Pakistani teams, the benefits of which will go directly to the people of Pakistan.