ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Thursday outlined Pakistan’s ambitious power sector reforms and future plans during a meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Anna Bjerde, Managing Director Operations.
Leghari revealed that Pakistan is on track to introduce a *competitive electricity market, supported by the establishment of an *Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). He said that the government would no longer serve as the sole electricity buyer, marking a significant shift in the sector’s structure.
He also highlighted major financial reforms, including improved revenue recovery and plans to implement targeted electricity subsidies. Leghari requested the World Bank’s assistance in ensuring that subsidies reach only deserving recipients.
Bjerde welcomed the reforms and assured the World Bank’s support, especially in targeting subsidies more effectively.
The minister noted a surplus of 7,000 MW of electricity, proposing that supplying this at marginal cost to industries could provide the region’s lowest-cost industrial power. Bjerde agreed, emphasizing the need to use surplus energy productively.
Leghari also briefed the delegation on digital transformation efforts across the power grid and discussed the privatisation of three distribution companies, expected to conclude by year-end. He further outlined upgraded procurement systems and accelerated project execution as part of broader restructuring measures.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
