Pakistan plans to build new nuclear power plants

Islamabad: Pakistan is considering purchasing nuclear power plants to meet its growing energy shortages, the government said on Friday.

The country is suffering from acute power shortages, and officials say there is a power deficit of up to 4,000 megawatts.

In recent months state-run utilities have switched off power for several hours a day across the country, though the situation improved towards the end of summer, as less air conditioners are in use.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani set up a committee of senior officials "to work out the modalities and financial arrangements before a formal decision is made on the purchase of nuclear energy plants," his office said.

By now, Pakistan has two nuclear power plants. Its first was set up with Canadian help in 1972, the second with China in 1999.