Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed today that the government is actively working on enhancements to the country’s electricity transmission system to address power distribution and efficiency issues.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, responding to a Calling Attention Notice in the Lower House, outlined several initiatives underway to improve the capacity of K-Electric and other Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The minister highlighted that K-Electric plans to add 220 megawatts of solar and wind power projects to help alleviate the electricity problems faced by the residents of Karachi.
During the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the House that no load shedding is currently being carried out due to a shortfall in generation. Instead, the DISCOs are implementing load management based on the loss percentages of feeders, with those recording up to twenty percent loss being exempt from outages. He added that the first phase of installing smart meters on transformers to combat power theft is underway.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs also informed the assembly that the Private Power and Infrastructure Board is actively promoting alternative and renewable energy technologies. He noted that fifty-eight alternative and renewable energy-based projects with a cumulative capacity of 3837 megawatts are currently operational, including 1845 megawatt from wind power projects.
Additionally, Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis Ehsan-ul-Haq Bajwa addressed the assembly on the employment of Pakistanis abroad, noting that last year, eight hundred sixty thousand citizens were legally employed overseas. He also mentioned a coordinated action plan to combat illegal begging, particularly in Gulf countries.
Further discussions in the House included the presentation of “The Pakistan Coast Guards Amendment, Bill, 2024” by Minister Attaullah Tarar, who emphasized the government’s commitment to combat smuggling. He also reported a fourteen percent increase in the country’s exports compared to the previous year and a reduction in both the trade deficit and inflation rate.
Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik pointed out the depletion of indigenous gas reserves and outlined government strategies for improving supplies, including new blocks for oil and gas exploration and the import of LNG. He also highlighted incentives for domestic and international companies to engage in offshore oil and gas exploration and called for optimizing existing resources.
The session concluded with plans to reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.