Indian and Pakistani experts have agreed to conduct feasibility studies and identify points for the proposed import of 500 MW of electricity by Pakistan from India. The matter was discussed during the second meeting of a group of experts from the two countries in Islamabad on Thursday.

The experts discussed proposals for electricity trade, including the building of a high-voltage direct current link to transfer 500 MW from India to Pakistan. Pakistan is mulling a proposal to import power from India to overcome a crippling energy shortfall that has affected industrial output and triggered violent protests in several cities.

Besides agreeing to conduct feasibility studies on both sides of the border, the experts discussed the issue of raising funds for fulfilling infrastructure requirements. Officials said all these issues would be discussed further at the next meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi in October this year.

Joint Secretary Rita Acharya of the Power Ministry led the six-member Indian delegation while Joint Secretary Zargham Ishak headed the Pakistani side.