LAHORE: The Punjab government is working on formulating the province’s first comprehensive energy policy along with an effective regulatory framework.
As part of this initiative, the process for establishment of the Electric & Power Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Punjab, has also been initiated. Secretary Energy Punjab Dr Farrukh Naveed stated this while addressing a meeting on Wednesday which was organised by the Energy Department, Government of the Punjab, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan.
He emphasized that this step aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development in the energy sector. Referring to the 18th Constitutional Amendment and Article 157 of the Constitution of Pakistan, he highlighted that provinces have a significant role in electricity generation, transmission, and private sector participation. He noted that the government of Punjab is working within this constitutional framework to develop a coordinated and efficient energy system.
Dr Naveed further shared that progress is underway on the initial draft of the proposed EPRA legislation, and consultants have been directed to complete its technical review on a priority basis to establish a strong and effective regulatory regime. He added that the proposed energy policy will include a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, international benchmarking, and stakeholder consultations to develop practical and implementable recommendations. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of privatization of distribution companies, promotion of off-grid energy solutions, access to open markets, improved consumer services, and enhanced governance in the energy sector. Highlighting the province’s energy demand, he stated that Punjab accounts for approximately 78 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption, making it imperative to develop a cohesive, efficient, and future-ready energy policy.
The secretary Energy informed the meeting that a joint group of consultants, including 8.2 renewable energy experts and AMA Energy will complete the development of policy and regulatory framework within 18 months. The meeting was attended by UNDP representatives Moeed Khan, Malik Zulfiqar, Ali Raza Bhutta, Tanveer Malik, along with partners, consultants, and officials from the energy department.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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