Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 project, calling it a vital initiative for regional integration and energy cooperation.
He made these remarks during his virtual participation in the Intergovernmental Council meeting of the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) power transmission project.
Speaking at the session, Leghari emphasized that Pakistan is ready to provide additional electricity to partner countries during the winter months through the CASA-1000 network, which connects Central Asian and South Asian power grids.
“This project is not only about electricity -- it’s a bridge for regional harmony, development, and unity,” said the minister, stressing the strategic importance of the initiative in linking Central and South Asia.
Highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s focus on energy reforms, Leghari said that ensuring the project's timely completion is a top government priority, as it aligns with the vision of long-term prosperity and regional energy security.
He also raised concerns over delays in the project's implementation and urged the World Bank to address the financial repercussions caused by such setbacks. Leghari called for technical-level discussions with regional partners on Reverse Power, a mechanism that would allow power to flow from South Asia to Central Asia during times of surplus.
“Pakistan bore the financial and logistical burden of delays but ensured the protection and maintenance of critical infrastructure,” Leghari noted, adding that Reverse Power trade could significantly boost regional cooperation and allow Pakistan’s surplus electricity to benefit energy-deficient Central Asian states.
He concluded by underlining that CASA-1000's success would be a cornerstone for ensuring regional energy security and economic integration, positioning it as a transformative project in the region’s energy landscape.
