ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the development of a comprehensive strategy to address future energy needs by focusing on renewable sources. During a review meeting on power sector reforms, Sharif emphasized the importance of utilizing hydropower, solar energy, and biogas to reduce production costs and stimulate economic growth. He urged swift action to lessen reliance on imported fuel and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward electricity theft.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister instructed authorities to expedite the installation of smart meters in areas prone to electricity theft and mandated departmental action against distribution companies that violated the Economic Merit Order. Sharif also prioritized the advancement of a competitive electricity market and the fast-tracking of a project to supply 400 megawatts to the private sector in the initial phase.

The meeting highlighted significant progress in reducing inefficiencies within distribution companies, with transmission losses decreasing from 18.3 percent in June 2024 to 15.3 percent in March 2026. Additionally, electricity bill recovery rates have improved from 90 percent to 96.46 percent over the same period. Ongoing efforts to involve the private sector in three distribution companies were also discussed, with the bidding process expected to conclude by November. Smart meters have been installed on 2,500 loss-making feeders as part of these reforms.