Karachi – Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has expressed concern over K-Electric’s stance, stating that despite being supplied affordable electricity from the Nooribad Power Plant and other hybrid and solar parks in Sindh, the utility continues to raise unnecessary objections over fossil fuel costs, which he termed “regrettable.”
Speaking at a special session organized by the FPCCI Standing Committee on Energy, Shah reiterated the Sindh government’s opposition to any taxes on solar power, calling it a clean, economical, and sustainable source of energy that should be further promoted.
He added that the Sindh government is developing a mechanism to address the issue of overbilling by K-Electric and stressed that the utility can no longer deny receiving low-cost power from the province.
Highlighting development initiatives, Shah shared that the Sindh government has allocated Rs. 5 billion for infrastructure upgrades in industrial zones and is actively executing those projects. He further urged the federal government to grant Sindh full representation in NEPRA, suggesting the inclusion of three members from the province — one each from the government, business community, and consumer rights sector.
The Minister emphasized Sindh’s significant contribution to national energy through its natural resources like wind, solar, and Thar coal. “If supported sincerely by the federal government, Sindh can power the entire nation,” he asserted, inviting industrialists to invest in renewable energy projects. He also announced the launch of a “one-window operation” to facilitate investors in the energy sector.
The event was attended by energy experts, FPCCI officials, investors, and industrialists, who called for immediate reforms in net metering, tariff structures, and grid access.
Senior Vice President of FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, advocated for government facilitation in the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, stating that EV infrastructure is the future of Pakistan. He pointed out the mismatch between power generation and consumption — 45,000 MW vs. 28,000 MW — indicating serious flaws in distribution and planning.
FPCCI Standing Committee Convenor Malik Khuda Bux, ADM Group CEO Yasir Bhambani, Energy Update Managing Editor M. Naeem Qureshi, and other notable speakers addressed the forum. M. Naeem Qureshi also called for a dedicated committee to resolve EV and solar energy issues.
In a separate session, Nasir Hussain Shah revealed that public-private partnerships have been initiated for EV charging stations across Sindh. A new provincial energy conservation authority, SEECA (on the model of NEECA), is also being established to provide energy solutions at the provincial level.
The Minister disclosed a finalized plan to convert millions of motorcycles to electric, with an official announcement expected soon. He also confirmed that a NEPRA-like entity named SEPRA has been formed and will start operations next month.
He further announced two upcoming solar parks in Sindh, whose electricity will be supplied to K-Electric at subsidized rates for distribution to the business community.
Malik Khuda Bux revealed that China’s ADM Group has already installed three EV charging stations in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad and has offered to provide 10 free stations to the Sindh government.
The event concluded with the presentation of a shield to Minister Nasir Hussain Shah by FPCCI leadership in recognition of his efforts toward clean and affordable energy in Sindh.
