ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Thursday proposed the creation of a Central Asia–South Asia (CASA) energy market, inspired by the European energy grid model, to unlock the region’s full renewable and conventional power potential. The proposal was made during a meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s Minister for Energy, Ibrarv Taalaibek Omukeevich, in Islamabad.
Leghari stressed the need for a practical, coordinated approach to expedite the CASA-1000 project, which aims to supply affordable, seasonally sourced electricity across the region. He noted that Pakistan’s section of the project is on track for completion by mid-2026 and urged all participating nations to work collectively to ensure its economic viability. He reiterated Pakistan’s view that Afghanistan’s stability remains central to regional connectivity and the success of cross-border energy initiatives.
The minister also suggested including Pakistan’s northern areas in feasibility assessments for the proposed Kyrgyz-China transmission project. He presented a five-point roadmap for enhanced bilateral cooperation, including establishing hydropower working groups, advancing CASA-1000, sharing specialised expertise, integrating northern Pakistan into regional transmission plans, and forming dedicated joint groups to drive collaboration. Both sides agreed to intensify high-level engagements and hold an expert-level meeting in Bishkek with representation from Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the World Bank.
Omukeevich welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening energy cooperation.
Separately, Leghari met Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s energy sector. Canadian firms expressed keen interest in the power transmission segment, after the minister clarified that Pakistan does not intend to add new generation capacity and is instead prioritising transmission upgrades, modern technologies, renewable projects and battery energy storage. The Power Division will soon share project details with Canadian companies to accelerate investment discussions.
Leghari also highlighted an upcoming 85 MW utility-scale solar initiative in Gilgit-Baltistan, alongside investment prospects in Gwadar’s energy and infrastructure sectors. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to least-cost development and ongoing transition toward a competitive electricity market, which will open more opportunities for private and international investors.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement, enhance technical cooperation and advance joint opportunities in Pakistan’s evolving energy landscape.
