ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the government’s primary focus is on providing affordable electricity to domestic consumers and other sectors while implementing reforms to achieve economic stability.
“Our main goal is to lower power prices to offer relief to households, agriculture, industry, exports, and businesses,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the newly appointed chairmen and board members of power distribution companies (DISCOS). The premier highlighted that affordable electricity is crucial for the competitiveness of exports and the overall economy.
Prime Minister Sharif stressed that a stable economy depends on low-cost electricity and an efficient power transmission system. He, along with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), is committed to achieving these objectives.
He informed the participants that the government would publicly recognize the efforts of DISCOS members and heads who contribute to improvements. However, those who fail to perform will not be retained in their positions.
The Prime Minister noted that the government had appointed highly qualified professionals to DISCOS based purely on merit, eliminating political appointments. He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead for the new appointees, including addressing mismanagement and corruption within DISCOS.
Prime Minister Sharif pointed out that power theft had escalated to around Rs500 billion annually, largely due to complicity among DISCOS staff, which has contributed to institutional deterioration.
“This is your biggest challenge,” he said. “The government has been working on how to improve the system. You must demonstrate your best efforts.”
He also highlighted that circular debt had reached Rs2300 billion, nearly one-third of the country’s total revenue of Rs9 trillion last year, questioning the sustainability of such a financial burden.
The Prime Minister addressed issues related to line losses and weak transmission systems, instructing the immediate implementation of smart metering in certain DISCOS.
Furthermore, he revealed that the government is negotiating with China to operate power plants using a coal mix, which could save $1 billion annually.
Recalling the installation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure almost a decade ago, he noted their 63% efficiency and significantly lower tariff compared to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) rates, showcasing the government’s commitment to improvement.
