THE new finance minister appears clear-headed. He has not only identified the teething problems of the country correctly, but has also presented a holistic approach to address them and steer the country out of what looks like a quagmire.

The power sector can be improved with due administrative and political will. The sector faces certain issues, such as massive power thefts, corruption and inefficiency. Then there are technical and policy problems, like surplus or excess power which increases the circular debt.

The government can offer this surplus power at subsidised tariffs to export-oriented industries. It can also export this surplus power to neighbouring countries.

The real benefits to the economy will accrue only when our exports rise. And this can be achieved by offering affordable electrical power. Whether or not this dream of providing an affordable power can be realised is a big question and a challenge for the government.

Riaz Bhutta
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2021