ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on power sector reforms in Islamabad today, where he emphasized that ensuring public relief and uninterrupted electricity supply to industries remain among the government’s top priorities. He reviewed progress on reforms, including privatization of loss-making generation companies (GENCOs), installation of smart meters, and promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The Prime Minister directed authorities to expedite the second and third phases of the privatization of loss-making GENCOs and to broadcast the process live to ensure transparency. He also called for rapid completion of smart meter installations and urged swift execution of proposed projects to improve the electricity transmission and distribution system.
Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government has successfully completed the solarization of tube wells in Balochistan, which is expected to enhance agricultural productivity in the province. He also ordered acceleration of the privatization process of electricity distribution companies and the nationwide establishment of electric vehicle charging stations.
The Prime Minister noted that, by the grace of God, electricity tariffs were kept stable for consumers during the recent winter. He further stated that completing low-cost and eco-friendly renewable energy projects remains a top priority to provide sustainable relief to the public.
The meeting was briefed that the first phase of GENCO privatization has been completed, generating PKR 9.05 billion in revenue. Negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) regarding tariff reductions are expected to save the national treasury PKR 3.69 trillion.
Officials reported that efforts are underway to connect industries directly to transmission lines to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, boosting exports and foreign exchange. The restructuring of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDCL) has led to the formation of two new entities—Energy Infrastructure Development Company and National Grid Company—now being assigned their respective responsibilities.
The promotion of electric vehicles is progressing rapidly, with 120 applications received through an online portal for setting up charging stations, 48 of which have already been granted provisional registration. The regularization of existing EV charging stations is also complete.
A new Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) has been established, and the boards of most distribution companies have been restructured and are now fully functional. Financing for major transmission lines—such as Matiari-Moro-Rahim Yar Khan and Ghazi Brotha-Faisalabad—is attracting interest from both local and international institutions.
The Prime Minister was also informed about a roadmap to eliminate the PKR 2.4 trillion circular debt over the next six years. Plans are underway to promote energy-efficient ceiling fans through easy bank financing to help middle-class consumers save on electricity bills. A roadmap for constructing energy-efficient buildings has been prepared, with implementation strategies finalized in consultation with provincial governments.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Ahsan Iqbal, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, PM’s Adviser Muhammad Ali, National Coordinator Power Task Force Lt. Gen. (R) Zafar Iqbal, PM’s Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.
