Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has mandated an expedited launch of projects designed to enhance Pakistan’s power transmission and distribution framework. This directive emerged from a meeting held in Islamabad, where ongoing reforms in the power sector were thoroughly reviewed.

During the session, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering public relief and maintaining continuous power supply to industries. He underscored that prioritizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy projects remains a top agenda.

The Prime Minister called for an accelerated privatization process of power distribution companies. He also urged the swift completion of the second and third phases of the auction for loss-making generation companies.

In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that the installation of smart meters be fast-tracked, with a report to be submitted upon completion. He also stressed the need to expedite the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.

The Prime Minister noted the completion of the federal government’s solarization of tube wells in Balochistan, a move expected to boost the province’s agricultural productivity.

The meeting included a comprehensive briefing on ongoing reforms and projects within the power sector, notably revealing that the first phase of auctioning obsolete and loss-making generation companies had raised 9.05 billion rupees for the national treasury.

Negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers were successfully concluded, promising a savings of 3.69 trillion rupees through revised electricity tariffs.

Efforts to guarantee uninterrupted power supply to industries, aimed at boosting industrial output, exports, and foreign exchange, were highlighted. The development of electric vehicle charging stations is advancing steadily.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Power Planning and Monitoring Company marks a significant step in improving the power sector. Restructured administrative boards for most distribution companies are now operational.

The meeting also outlined plans to offer easy bank loans for promoting energy-efficient fans and a roadmap for constructing energy-efficient buildings.