Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the launch of a “Battery Energy Storage System,” urging public-private partnerships and private sector engagement to modernize the country’s electricity infrastructure (Catchline)
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to expedite the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOS) and generation companies (GENCOS).
Chairing a meeting on the power sector in the federal capital, the prime minister said privatization, leading to the establishment of a competitive electricity market, was the sustainable solution to the country’s energy challenges During the meeting, officials reported that steps were being taken to privatize three distribution companies—IESCO, FESCO, and GEPCO — and that Expressions of Interest (EoIs) would be published soon.
The premier instructed that relevant development projects be completed on a priority basis to further improve the country’s power distribution system. To modernize the electricity system, the prime minister directed the initiation of a Battery Energy Storage System through public-private partnerships and private sector involvement. Officials also briefed him on progress in power generation, distribution, privatization of DISCOS and GENCOS, and other sector reforms.
The prime minister was informed that the PC-I for the 500 KV Ghazi Barotha-Faisalabad transmission line was awaiting approval. Technical feasibility studies for shifting imported power plants to Thar coal had been completed, while construction of a railway line to transport Thar coal to the plants was underway. He was also updated on efforts to operationalize a competitive electricity market.
The concept clearance proposal for the Battery Energy Storage System project had been approved, and a feasibility study was in progress, officials said. They noted that line losses had decreased compared with the previous year as a result of continuous reforms. Separately, the prime minister emphasized that Daanish University should focus on promoting technology and modern scientific disciplines.
Chairing a meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees in the federal capital, he reviewed the institution’s development, future plans, and efforts to establish an inclusive, world-class university aimed at advancing modern education and technological innovation. He further directed that the university’s architecture should be simple yet dignified, reflecting its commitment to excellence. He welcomed the chairman and board members and extended his best wishes for their work.
