Electricity Tariffs IMF Yet to Approve Pakistan’s Discounted Power Proposal, Says Owais Leghari

Electricity Tariffs remain under discussion as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not yet approved Pakistan’s proposal to offer discounted electricity during specific hours, Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari said.

Sania Ashfaq New Video Sparks Speculation About a Fresh Chapter in Her Life

IMF Yet to Approve Proposal

Speaking at the Battery Storage Flexibility 2026 Conference in Islamabad, Leghari said the government has discussed the proposal with the IMF for several months.

He said time-based discounted electricity prices could increase power consumption and improve the use of available electricity, especially during off-peak hours.

Moreover, Leghari cited the example of an Australian company that increased electricity sales after introducing a similar pricing model. He said Pakistan would continue efforts to persuade the IMF to support the proposal.

Government Continues Energy Reforms

Leghari said Pakistan is carrying out major reforms in the energy sector. He added that the government will present detailed data and evidence to the IMF to strengthen its case.

He also announced that Pakistan plans to unveil its first comprehensive national energy plan by April next year.

Focus on Renewable Energy

The minister said rooftop solar systems will play a greater role in the country’s energy mix. Consumers will increasingly store solar-generated electricity and use it during the night.

He added that greater solar generation has already helped maintain a more stable electricity supply during daytime hours.

Battery Storage to Support Clean Energy

Leghari said clean energy currently produces around 55% of Pakistan’s electricity. The government aims to increase that share to 90% by 2035.

However, he stressed that solar and wind power alone cannot achieve the target. Instead, battery energy storage will play a vital role in balancing the national grid and improving energy reliability.

Furthermore, the government plans to develop a domestic battery storage industry. It aims to promote local manufacturing, engineering, system integration, and battery management software instead of relying heavily on imports.