ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the ministry of water and power to evolve long term energy security policy and explore opportunities to import electricity from neighboring countries forthwith, Geo News reported Friday.

The prime minister presided over a high level meeting over energy crisis where he was given briefing about power production and distribution.

The ministry of water and power officials told the premier that short term, mid term and long term policies on power projects would be completed this month. Besides, an action plan would also be finalized for recovery of power bills from defaulters.

The prime minister also decided to take all the federating units on board regarding proposed power projects. According to reports, an office of the project management has been opened at the water and power ministry.

PPI adds: The meeting took stock of overall energy situation and examined ways and means to improve it.

It was decided in principle to take tangible measures both at increasing generation through energy mix and exploring alternate resources.

The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft, rationalize tariff and minimize line losses.

It was decided that the Prime Minister will review energy situation on weekly basis.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that with dedication, better management and facilitation of energy sector companies, the situation will improve in near future.

He, however, directed that options of long term energy security must also be examined and practical steps should be taken in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab; Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance; Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Information and Broadcasting; Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum; Khawaja Asif Minister for Water and Power; Dr Mussadiq Malik SAPM; Shaukat Fayaz A Tarin, Nadeem Babar, Mifta Ismail and Zayad Basheer.