Govt stresses need for predictable regulatory regime in power sector

The government has stressed the need for a regulatory framework in the power sector that is transparent, steady and predictable, according to Mettis Global. The goal is to draw private participation and long-term investment while improving efficiency and competition. The point was raised at the first meeting of a steering committee formed by the Prime Minister to review and advance reforms of the sector's regulatory setup.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the session, which was attended by the Power Minister, the National Crisis Management Cell coordinator, the Prime Minister's privatisation adviser, a state minister, and the NEPRA chairman. The committee went over the existing regime and discussed ways to improve the investment and operating climate in the sector. Members stressed that changes should follow international good practice, suit Pakistan's institutional and market conditions, and protect transparency, safeguards and regulatory certainty.

Aurangzeb called for a practical, time-bound reform process that produces concrete gains for how the sector performs and attracts capital. He also asked for a full, step-by-step roadmap with defined deadlines and assigned roles. The Technical Working Group will carry out detailed analysis and send targeted recommendations to the steering committee, which will approve them, oversee implementation and issue policy directions to ministries and agencies.