LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has presented a nine-point formula for overcoming the energy crisis in the country.

The formula presented in the chief ministers conference on loadshedding envisages equitable distribution of power between provinces, supply of electricity to industrial and agriculture sectors on a priority basis, complete ban on billboards, construction of Bhasha Dam, production of energy from coal, use of sugarcane trash (bagasse) for power generation, simplifying the official procedure for electricity generation projects in private sector, use of canal water for power generation as well as launching of a countrywide movement for energy conservation.

Addressing a two-day conference, presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday, the CM stressed the need for immediate measures such as construction

overcoming the power shortage. He said the public money was wasted ruthlessly and human blood was shed callously in Musharraf era but criminal negligence was shown towards such vital projects as Bhasha Dam.

He said had Bhasha Dam been constructed, the nation would not have been facing the existing excruciating situation. He said situation in the Punjab is grave as a totally unfair treatment is being meted out to the province regarding the distribution of electricity.

He said there is a need for sharing each other’s joys and sorrows and the same spirit should be shown on the issue of loadshedding as was displayed on the NFC Award by the federation and the provinces. He said he is happy that loadshedding has not led to the closure of industries in Karachi and the Punjab should also be treated at par with the other province. He said currently Faisalabad, Gujranwala and other industrial cities of the Punjab are facing the worst kind of loadshedding due to which export orders are being cancelled. He said agriculture and industrial sectors should be given preference in the supply of power because relief could not be provided to the common man if these sectors are not operating in top gear. He said if industrial and economic production is not maintained, the trade and export sectors will be adversely affected which will result in a setback to the national economy.

He said two holidays in offices and educational institutions are not feasible and as far as reducing the timings of trade centres is concerned the cooperation of the business community will be required. Moreover, uninterrupted supply of power will have to be ensured to the commercial centres during their working hours.

Meanwhile, according to a handout issued here on Monday, the chief minister proposed a complete ban on billboards for power conservation. He said the joint meeting of chief ministers in Islamabad reflects the gravity of the situation. He said it is incumbent upon the leadership to give good news to the people and redress their grievances otherwise a revolution will be inevitable.