ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday and apprised him of power supply situation in the country in the backdrop of the massive shutdown. He said the system is gradually being brought back to normal as three plants have been connected to the national grid and within few hours the system would be largely restored.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Water and Power as well as concerned provincial authorities to complete the restoration work on a war-footing.

He said the government is working to increase power generation to reduce load-shedding and steps should be taken by all concerned to ensure such unfortunate instances are not repeated in future.

Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting to review matters related to power situation, which was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

The Water and Power Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the factors that caused the massive breakdown and updated him on the current power supply situation in the country. He said the situation is gradually improving and soon the system would be brought back to normal.

The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Water and Power to present a report on the technical side of the breakdown within 48 hours. He directed to put in place a comprehensive system that prevents such happenings in future.

The Prime Minister also directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure security of high transmission lines.-PR