The government has mandated the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) to produce 8800 megawatts of electricity in the coming 25 years to ensure supply of electricity for economic development. Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Akram Sheikh told a 3-day seminar on _Welding Science and Technology_ organized by PAEC, that 54 per cent of energy requirements would have to be imported in the coming years. He said Pakistan's fossil fuel reserves are likely to last for next 45 years that of gas for nearly 70 years and those of coal for 200 years. _We must therefore explore efficient technologies for energy production for our future needs by diversifying our options,_ he added. Sheikh said the PAEC would go for big initiatives to cope with the technological needs of Pakistan, adding that the planning commission is devising a medium term planning framework for the development of Pakistan.
