ISLAMABAD, JAN 10 (DNA)- Federal Minster for Water and Power and Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif is visiting Tajikistan on Monday. Other members of the delegation include Zafar Mehmood – Chairman WAPDA, Shahid Ashraf Tarar – Chairman National Highway Authority, Mohammad Sadiq – Secretary National Security Division, Nadeem Ashraf – General Manager (NESPAK), Arshad Mehmood Chauhadry – Managing Director (NTDC).

In Dushanbe they will have first meeting of Joint Working Group of Tajikistan and Pakistan on Energy & Infrastructure and bilateral meeting of both parties. Khawaja Muhammad Asif will meet with President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. He will also hold meetings with Minister for Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan Usmon Usminzoda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojidin Aslov, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Shaukat Bobozoda.. The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also will visit some hydropower stations of the Republic of Tajikistan.
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan and Tajikistan are partners in CASA 1000 energy project. Pakistan will buy 1000 MW electricity from Tajikistan. The project is likely to be completed in the year 2018. The project will adequately address Pakistan’s energy related problems. Afghanistan is also a partner in this project.
Relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan have grown tremendously over the years. The recent visit of the Tajik president to Pakistan further cemented these relations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his government are also keen to strengthen and expand ambit of relations with Tajikistan. CASA 1000 project will certainly bring two brotherly countries even closer.