Pakistan has said it will set up a joint task with the U.S. to help the South Asian nation address its energy crisis.
"Pakistan's
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called on the U.S. government
and the private sector to support specific projects and mobilize
investment toward Pakistan's energy sector," a statement issued Monday by Gilani's office said.
Gilani met Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Monday.
U.S. Economic Advisor David Lipton and specialist Mary Beth Goodman will visit Pakistan by the end this month to hold discussions with the joint task force, the statement said.
Pakistan
faces a power shortage of between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatts during peak
hours. The country generates 13,000-13,600 megawatts while the demand
for power has shot up to 15,000-16,000 megawatts.