LAHORE: Pakistan has started importing coal from Afghanistan and supplying it to the coal-fired power plants in different cities, government confirmed on Saturday.
“Coal from Afghanistan has started coming in a couple of days ago after the government directed the departments concerned, especially the Pakistan Railways, to make certain arrangements for a safe and rapid coal transport operation,” the official said.
As per detail, at present, fewer than 3,000 tons of coal are being brought daily at the Khushhal Kot railway station. However, the supply is expected to touch 20,000 ton after the beginning of coal operation from Kundian in Mianwali district and Sibi in Balochistan.
Earlier, reports suggest that the Afghan coal price more than doubled from $90 per tons to around $200 after Pakistan decided to buy the commodity from its neighbor.
However, the official said that since Islamabad was paying for the coal in rupees, the increase in prices might not make a significant impact.
According to sources, an important meeting presided over by Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique would also be held in this regard on Sunday at the Pakistan Railways’ headquarters in Lahore. During the meeting, the decisions related to the launch of coal operations within the next few days would also be taken.
Under the agreement, it had also been decided to transport coal to power plants in Sahiwal and Hub through the rail network instead of by road.
