ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmed Leghari, held a meeting with the US Acting Ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, to discuss ongoing reforms, future collaboration, and investment opportunities in Pakistan’s power sector.
During the meeting, Awais Leghari requested the Acting Ambassador’s support in engaging US-based multilateral development partners and international financial institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank, to help remove obstacles hindering the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s power sector. He emphasized the importance of development partners’ assistance in enabling Pakistan to implement structural reforms and improve sectoral performance.
Awais Leghari also briefed Baker on the recently launched Surplus Power Package, highlighting its potential to boost economic activity by offering competitively priced electricity to industrial consumers. He requested US support in extending this package to greenfield industries, which would further stimulate investment and industrial growth.
The discussion also covered ongoing efforts to address inefficiencies across the power distribution system, particularly in reducing technical and commercial losses and improving recoveries. Baker appreciated the Power Ministry’s continued reforms and commended the government’s progress in reducing inefficiencies and managing circular debt through targeted, data-driven interventions.
Both sides also discussed investment opportunities for US investors, especially in Pakistan’s power transmission sector, where significant potential exists for private sector participation. Baker expressed keen interest in these opportunities.
The meeting further touched upon the privatization of distribution companies (DISCOs). Awais Leghari requested the Baker’s support in encouraging US investors to consider acquiring DISCOs currently being offered for privatization, noting that private sector participation remains essential for enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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