ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Pakistan’s transition toward solar energy and broader power sector reforms through financial and technical assistance.
The assurance came during a meeting between a visiting ADB delegation, led by Country Director Emma Xiaoqin Fan, and Federal Power Minister Sardar Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari ahead of the bank’s vice president’s expected visit later this month.
According to the Power Division, ADB is currently conducting studies on the impact of rooftop solar systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Pakistan. The bank is also exploring support for integrated planning, digitisation, and improved data governance across the energy sector.
Minister Leghari highlighted that Pakistan’s power sector has demonstrated resilience despite global energy challenges, attributing stability to increased reliance on indigenous resources such as hydel, local coal, and solar energy. He stressed the government’s focus on expanding the share of local energy sources to maintain affordable electricity tariffs.
The ADB country director acknowledged these efforts, noting that reforms in the energy sector have strengthened Pakistan’s overall economic resilience. She expressed the bank’s interest in supporting key initiatives, including privatisation, institutional governance, and digital transformation.
Fan further noted that ADB is already providing technical assistance for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and facilitating capacity-building programmes, including specialised training opportunities in Korea for energy professionals.
The minister emphasized the need for transparency in selecting candidates for such programmes, adding that skilled professionals would be critical for driving institutional improvements. He also underscored the importance of restructuring the National Grid Company (NGC) and sought ADB’s support in this regard.
Additionally, the government has engaged the Pakistan Business Council to encourage private sector investment in the transmission segment, with greater focus expected after privatisation initiatives.
Both sides agreed to continue close collaboration to develop a modern, efficient, and sustainable power sector in Pakistan.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
