Islamabad: Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari recently met with Ms. Emma Xiaoqin Fan, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to discuss ongoing reforms and future cooperation in Pakistan’s power sector. The discussions focused on leveraging indigenous resources and exploring new initiatives to enhance the sector’s resilience and efficiency.

According to Press Information Department, the Federal Minister highlighted the resilience of Pakistan’s power sector amidst global energy challenges, attributing this stability to increased reliance on local coal, hydel, and solar energy. He emphasized the government’s commitment to using indigenous fuel to maintain affordable electricity prices. Ms. Fan acknowledged these efforts, noting their positive impact on the national economy, and expressed ADB’s interest in supporting further initiatives, including digitization and privatization in the energy sector.

Ms. Fan mentioned that ADB is already assisting with technical support for AMI meters and studying the effects of rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems. She also underscored capacity-building programs, including specialized training in Korea for power sector professionals. The Federal Minister stressed the importance of a fair selection process for these programs, pointing out that skilled professionals are crucial for institutional improvements.

The Minister also underscored the significance of restructuring the National Grid Company and sought support for this endeavor, highlighting ongoing collaborations with the Pakistan Business Council to boost investment in the transmission sector. Ms. Fan noted that ADB’s Vice President is expected to visit Pakistan later this month. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain close cooperation for a modern, efficient, and sustainable power sector in Pakistan.