PM’s decision comes amid protests and sit-ins demanding relief from the financial burden of rising electricity prices
ISLAMABAD: In response to widespread protests driven by escalating electricity bills, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the formation of a task force dedicated to implementing structural reforms within Pakistan’s power sector. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on the government and establish a more efficient and self-sustaining power market. Task Force Leadership: The task force will be led by Power Minister Awais Leghari, who will serve as chairman.
Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power, has been appointed as co-chairman, and Lt. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Zafar Iqbal will act as the national coordinator. The team will also include Syed Zakaria Ali Shah, a BS-21 officer, along with representatives from key institutions such as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the Central Power Purchasing Agency, the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Objectives and Responsibilities: The task force is entrusted with several critical objectives:
Enhancing Financial and Operational Sustainability: Proposing measures to improve the financial health and operational efficiency of the power sector. Developing an Efficient Power Market: Creating a more competitive and efficient power market. Utilizing Excess Capacity: Exploring ways to leverage excess power capacity to boost industrial growth. Reducing Capacity Payments: Investigating the potential to reduce capacity payments by deactivating certain power plants. Regulatory Oversight: Scrutinizing the setup costs of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to identify any malpractices or regulatory gaps and ensuring IPPs adhere to their contractual agreements. Addressing Circular Debt: Tackling the persistent issue of circular debt within the energy sector. Implementation and Reporting: The task force has the authority to engage experts and consultants from various sectors to support its mission. Beyond conducting fact-finding, it will oversee the implementation of its recommendations. The task force is expected to present its findings and a comprehensive implementation plan to the Prime Minister within one month.
This move comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to address public grievances related to high electricity costs and to ensure a more transparent and efficient power sector. The task force’s recommendations and subsequent actions are anticipated to significantly impact the management and operation of Pakistan’s energy sector
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