Govt accelerates power sector reforms with focus on efficiency, consumer relief

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan has renewed its drive for power-sector reform and privatization, placing greater weight on efficiency and better results for electricity users. Ishaq Dar, who serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, presided over a session of the panel that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had set up to assess the proposed changes. The panel went over how far the reform and privatization plan had advanced.

Members looked at strengthening institutions and building their capacity across the main bodies in the sector. The Minister for Power, the Minister for Economic Affairs, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, senior federal officials and representatives of federal and provincial institutions took part. Dar asked that the process be judged on results and be shaped by what serves consumers and keeps the sector financially viable over time.

According to the report, electricity costs, sector losses and the finances of the power supply chain still weigh heavily on the economy and on businesses. The government said the reform drive must produce stronger institutional efficiency and better service delivery for consumers.