PM Shehbaz Prioritizes Power Sector Reforms, Uninterrupted Supply to Industries

The prime minister directed the swift completion

of smart meter installations and asked for

an early report on progress

Associated Press of Pakistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing relief to the public and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to industries through swift and comprehensive power sector reforms.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the premier emphasized the privatization of loss-making GENCOs, accelerating the process for power distribution companies, and adopting transparent auction procedures by broadcasting them live on media platforms.

GENCOs Privatization and Revenue Generation

Officials briefed the prime minister that the first phase of GENCOs privatization had been successfully completed, generating Rs. 9.05 billion for the national exchequer. The second and third phases are underway, with transparency ensured through live broadcast of auction proceedings.

The prime minister directed the swift completion of smart meter installations and asked for an early report on progress.

Major Savings from IPP Agreements

The meeting was informed that successful negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on electricity tariffs would result in projected savings of Rs. 3.69 trillion for the national treasury.

Shehbaz Sharif also instructed authorities to speed up the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Pakistan. An online portal has already received 120 applications, with 48 interim registrations issued. Existing stations have been regularized.

Renewable Energy, Industrial Power Supply, and Infrastructure

The premier reiterated his focus on green and low-cost renewable energy projects to reduce electricity bills and combat climate change. He noted that tube wells in Balochistan have been solarized, enhancing agricultural productivity.

Efforts are underway to connect industrial units to the national grid, ensuring reliable electricity for increased production and exports.

NTDCL has been dissolved and replaced by the Energy Infrastructure Development Company and the National Grid Company, which are now operational.

The meeting also reviewed progress on key transmission lines, including Matiari–Moro–Rahim Yar Khan and Ghazi Barotha–Faisalabad, with strong interest from local and international investors.

Tackling Circular Debt and Promoting Efficiency

Officials presented a roadmap to eliminate Rs. 2.4 trillion in circular debt over six years. Plans are also being developed to offer soft loans for energy-efficient fans, helping middle-class consumers reduce their power bills.

A national plan for energy-efficient buildings has been finalized and discussed with provincial governments for implementation.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Lt. Gen. Zafar Iqbal, Musharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.