A landmark regional power transmission line project has kick-started few days ago between four states i.e Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan will receive 1000 MW power supply from this project. This project is viewed as the first regional power supply line between central and south Asia and the region has tremendous potential for cooperation in power sector. It is also viewed as a first step in binding together, the Asian states in mutually beneficial economic arrangements. There are principally two main obstacles to the success of this project. First one is the flawed pricing or tariff policy which is limping from 1990's. Secondly security is of paramount importance. Already trouble in Afghanistan has surged the costs which will ultimately reflect in tariff policy later on. The success of this project depends on reforms and structuring the plans for these two issues. Pakistan must also explore other options in the region for cooperation in transport, natural resources, power and many more sectors. We can safely say that CASA 1000 is a good start in the right direction and with sound policies to make this project successful we can embark on new horizon of our economic prosperity with converging interest of the region.
Source: http://www.dawn.com/news/1258141
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