• Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari, met with Power Sector International Development Partners.
• The development partners included representatives from various international organizations.
• Leghari discussed power division reforms to improve efficiency and discipline.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari held a detailed session with Power Sector International Development Partners to discuss power sector reforms and their future direction.

World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine led the development partners, which included representatives from the IMF, ADB, IFC, KFW, the German Embassy, FCOD, UNDP, and AIIB.

Federal Minister Awais Leghari informed participants about the power division’s reforms to enhance efficiency and discipline.

He emphasized efforts to reduce electricity prices, making them more competitive and affordable, especially for industries.

He assured that officials conduct all negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) transparently, allowing options to walk away, seek arbitration, or undergo a forensic audit as per the agreement terms.

Awais Leghari stated that the government upheld transparency, reducing IGCEP’s committed 17,000 MW by approximately 7,000 MW and saving significant expenses.

He detailed various reforms, including shifting from “Take or Pay” to “Take and Pay,” shutting down furnace oil-based plants, and converting imported coal to local coal.

The Minister also highlighted efforts to remove transmission constraints, divide NTDC into the Energy Infrastructure and Development Company and the National Grid Company, and establish regulatory frameworks for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

He stressed the need to eliminate circular debt, rationalize subsidies, and adjust net metering to ease the burden on consumers.

The Minister concluded by highlighting the government’s decision to halt further power purchases, privatize DISCOs, enhance governance of DISCOs’ boards, and implement reforms at the Power Planning and Management Company.

The participants praised the Power Division’s reforms and pledged their support for the process.

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