ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate the privatisation of loss-making power generation companies (GENCOs) and the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, while reiterating the government’s commitment to power sector reform and public relief.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister ordered that the auction process for GENCOs be conducted with full transparency and broadcast live on national media. He was informed that the first phase of the GENCOs auction had already generated Rs9.05 billion in revenue, with the second and third phases progressing rapidly.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) also briefed the premier on ongoing negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which are expected to result in tariff savings of Rs3.69 trillion for the national exchequer.
The meeting reviewed a broad reform agenda, including measures to provide uninterrupted electricity to industries by integrating them directly with the national transmission grid—an initiative aimed at boosting production, exports, and foreign exchange inflows.
In a major structural move, the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDCL) has been split into two entities: the Energy Infrastructure Development Company and the National Grid Company, each assigned specific mandates. Additionally, the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) has been established to enhance oversight.
The prime minister also reviewed progress on key transmission projects, such as the Matiari–Moro–Rahim Yar Khan and Ghazi Brotha–Faisalabad lines. International institutions have shown interest in financing these ventures.
The meeting was informed that 120 applications have been received through the newly launched online portal for EV charging station permits, with 48 stations provisionally registered and existing stations now regularised.
To tackle circular debt—currently at Rs2.4 trillion—a six-year elimination roadmap has been developed. The PM also reviewed initiatives to promote energy conservation, including a scheme to offer easy loans for the purchase of energy-efficient fans and a roadmap for constructing energy-efficient buildings in coordination with provincial governments.
He ordered the rapid installation of smart meters and requested a progress report, while highlighting the successful solarisation of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan—a move aimed at boosting productivity in the province.
“The provision of public relief and uninterrupted electricity to industries remain among our top priorities. Renewable and low-cost, environment-friendly energy projects must commence without delay,” PM Shehbaz said, noting that electricity tariffs were kept stable during the recent winter.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Awais Leghari, Ahsan Iqbal, Ali Pervaiz Malik, National Power Task Force Coordinator Lt Gen Zafar Iqbal (retd), PM’s Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.
Story by Zulfiqar Ahmed
