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• Shehbaz pushes for energy reforms to support economic security
• Orders formulation of strategy to stabilise tariffs
• Emphasises expansion of digital payment solutions to make bill payments easier
• Reiterates govt’s zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to facilitate both industrial and domestic electricity consumers, calling it essential for economic stability and public relief.
Presiding over a meeting here on energy sector reforms, he underscored the government’s resolve to bring relief to consumers while ensuring sustainable industrial growth. According to the PM’s Office, the meeting focused on a wide-ranging reform agenda aimed at addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the power sector.
The prime minister instructed officials to improve infrastructure to significantly reduce line losses, which continue to burden the national exchequer. He also stressed the need to adopt modern technologies across the energy sector.
Highlighting the urgency of overcoming Pakistan’s energy shortfall, the premier called for the accelerated development of renewable energy projects.
He said diversifying the energy mix was critical not only for sustainability but also for reducing dependence on fuel imports.
Power tariffs
The issue of electricity pricing also came under review. The prime minister directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to ensure stability in power tariffs, acknowledging the financial strain that high electricity costs placed on households and industries alike.
In a move to improve consumer convenience, PM Shehbaz emphasised the expansion of digital payment solutions to make bill payments easier and more accessible.
At the same time, he reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft, directing authorities to continue strict enforcement measures.
The premier further stressed that an uninterrupted energy supply was vital for industrial growth, adding that economic revival depended heavily on reliable power availability. He reaffirmed that providing relief to domestic consumers remained among the government’s top priorities.
“Reforms in the energy sector will be pursued while keeping the broader interests of the public and industry at the forefront,” he said, signalling a balanced approach to policymaking.
During the meeting, officials presented recommendations regarding electricity consumption patterns for both domestic and industrial sectors, offering insights into future planning and demand management.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan, as well as senior officials from relevant departments.
The government has projected additional power generation capacity needs of 62,660 to 70,720 megawatt till 2035 to support the country’s economic growth of 3.5 per cent (low) to 6.4pc (high).
This was part of the revised Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan 2025-35 and the Transmission System Expansion Plan 2025-35 prepared by the Independent System and Market Operator, a power division entity, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Nepra.
The two plans cover the entire power network, including those of distribution companies and K-Electric. A distinguishing feature of the revised IGCEP is the consideration of Least Cost Violation for Diamer-Bhasha Dam, and the Saudi-based ACWA’s solar power plants.
Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026
