Pakistan is making strides in expanding its energy infrastructure, with two major projects set to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on expensive fuel imports.
The Thar Coal Railway Line, a 105km rail network connecting Thar’s coal mines to Port Qasim, is on track for completion by December 2025.¹ ² This project, overseen by the federal and Sindh governments, will improve coal transportation efficiency and boost the energy sector’s growth.
In addition, Pakistan is also investing in a $500 million, 1,000MW Battery Storage Initiative in the south to harness wind energy and stabilize the grid. Talks with global lenders, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, are ongoing to secure funding for this project.
Secretary Power Division Fakhar Alam Irfan briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power, stating that the ministry is seeking Rs79 billion in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-26 for four major projects, including:
- 1,000MW Battery Storage Initiative: to improve power grid stability and optimize renewable energy use
- Ghazi Barotha Transmission Line: to enhance energy transmission infrastructure
- North-South Transmission Line: to improve energy connectivity between regions
- Karachi to Central Punjab Transmission Line: to strengthen energy transmission infrastructure in the region
