PBF asks why power load-shedding on the rise despite capacity expansion

KARACHI: Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged electricity outages across the country, despite Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity reaching 46,605 MW during FY 2024–25.

Drawing on figures from the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25, PBF noted that installed capacity has increased from 45,888 MW in the corresponding period of last year, reflecting a growth of approximately 1.6 percent.

The current energy mix comprises 55.7 percent thermal, 24.4 percent hydel, 7.8 percent nuclear, and 12.2 percent renewable sources, indicating a gradual transition towards indigenous and more sustainable energy resources.

However, despite this significant capacity, the country continues to experience 8 to 12 hours of load shedding in multiple regions, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of energy governance and operational management.

The Power Minister recently attributed a 2,500 MW shortfall to disruptions in LNG supplies from Qatar.

While acknowledging the impact of external supply constraints, PBF emphasized that Pakistan possesses over 26,000 MW of thermal generation capacity, which should be sufficient to mitigate such shortages if efficiently managed.

According to the same data, total electricity generation during July–March FY 2025 stood at 90,145 GWh, while consumption was recorded at 80,111 GWh, reflecting a 3.6 percent decline compared to the same period last year. This reduction in demand has been linked to elevated electricity tariffs, increased reliance on off-grid solar solutions, and subdued industrial activity. Despite lower consumption levels and adequate installed capacity, the persistence of extended outages underscores deeper structural and administrative inefficiencies within the power sector.

President Pakistan Business Forum, Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman, stated that the issue is no longer about increasing capacity but about ensuring its optimal utilization.

He stressed that the continued gap between available capacity and actual supply highlights serious deficiencies in fuel management, transmission systems, and overall sectoral planning.

He further remarked that prolonged load shedding is not only affecting daily life but is also severely impacting industrial productivity, investor confidence, and the broader economic outlook of the country.

Pakistan Business Forum called upon the federal government to take immediate and decisive measures to address these challenges and ensure a reliable and efficient power supply system.

The Forum reiterated its commitment to supporting reforms that promote transparency, efficiency, and long-term energy security in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026