Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review ongoing reforms in the power sector, focusing on privatization, modernization, and enhancing the efficiency of the electricity distribution and generation system.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of the power sector roadmap. He instructed that the privatization process of power distribution (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs) be accelerated to establish a competitive electricity market, which he emphasized is the key to a sustainable solution for the country’s energy challenges.
Highlighting the importance of modernizing the transmission system, he directed that plans to improve the electricity network be completed on a priority basis with also stressing the need for implementing a battery energy storage system to align the network with modern requirements and called for the initiation of public-private partnerships to involve the private sector in the energy sector.
Officials presented briefings on the privatization of power generation, transmission, and distribution companies. Work is underway for the privatization of the Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Gujranwala electricity distribution companies, with expressions of interest for the three companies expected to be published soon.
Other updates included the approval stage of the PC-1 for the 500 kV Ghazi Brotha–Faisalabad transmission line and the completion of technical feasibility studies for shifting imported coal-fired plants to Thar coal. Construction of the railway line to transport coal to Thar-based plants is also in progress.
The meeting also covered the operationalization of a competition-based electricity market. Officials reported a reduction in line losses compared to the previous year. The concept clearance proposal for the battery energy storage system has been approved, while feasibility studies for the project are ongoing.
Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Cheema, Owais Laghari, Privatization Advisor Muhammad Ali, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior officials from relevant institutions were also present at the meeting.
This meeting underscores the government’s continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s power sector through reforms, privatization, and modernization initiatives aimed at ensuring reliable and efficient electricity supply.
