ISLAMABAD, Dec 24 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday granted in-principle approval for the formulation of a comprehensive National Energy Plan and directed all relevant federal ministries and provincial governments to work in close coordination to develop an integrated and sustainable strategy for the energy sector.
Chairing a review meeting on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister also approved the establishment of a dedicated secretariat to support the formulation and implementation of the National Energy Plan, according to a PM Office news release.
The meeting reviewed key reforms in the energy sector, including power transmission, electricity pricing, and privatization. The prime minister approved in principle the framework guidelines for the auction of wheeling charges, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in electricity transmission.
He stressed that the proposed National Energy Plan must prioritize the provision of electricity to industries at the lowest possible cost, while ensuring improved facilitation and affordability for domestic consumers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that recommendations from the Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industries and Production, and the Ministry of Petroleum be fully incorporated into the proposed policy. He also issued special instructions for the swift and effective completion of the privatization process of power distribution companies (DISCOs).
Highlighting recent progress, the prime minister noted that reforms in the power transmission system had already yielded visible improvements. He said enhanced coordination among relevant entities and ministries had led to better services for both household and industrial electricity consumers.
The prime minister emphasized that providing electricity to industries at competitive tariffs was essential for increasing the country’s industrial productivity and economic growth.
The meeting was informed that initial consultations with all relevant ministries were already underway for the formulation of the National Energy Plan.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, chief secretaries of the provinces, and senior government officials.
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