Pakistan begins work on new 2200-MW nuclear power plant

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today laid the foundation stone for a 2200-MW nuclear power plant in Pakistan's largest city that will be built with Chinese help, saying the project was a "leap" in bilateral cooperation.

Sharif described the plant as the country's biggest power project that would be another step to end energy outages. He said the project would be executed with China's cooperation.

Addressing a ceremony here, Sharif said China is cooperating with Pakistan in several areas, including the power sector.

"We are proud of China's support," he said, adding the friendship between the two countries is deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas.

The project marked a "leap" in bilateral cooperation, he said.

Sharif said his government is determined to change Pakistan's fate and make it prosperous and developed. Other power projects, including the Bonji Dam, will be initiated, he said.

The government wants to develop Karachi as a modern city like Dubai' Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, he said.

The nuclear plant is expected to be completed in six years.

Several countries, including the US, have expressed concern at China's role in setting up new nuclear power plants in Pakistan, saying the projects violate international guidelines. Pakistan and China have dismissed these concerns.