PM Shehbaz approves formulation of National Energy Plan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved in-principle the formulation of a comprehensive National Energy Plan in consultation with relevant ministries and provincial governments.

Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy in Islamabad on Wednesday, he also approved the establishment of a dedicated secretariat for the National Energy Plan.

The meeting further granted in-principle approval to the framework guidelines for the auction of wheeling charges.

The Prime Minister directed all ministries and provincial governments to present a workable and coordinated strategy under the proposed plan. He emphasized that the government's top priorities include ensuring electricity supply to industries at the lowest possible cost and providing facilitation for domestic consumers.

He instructed that the recommendations of the Ministries of Climate Change, Finance, Industries and Production, and Petroleum be effectively incorporated into the plan.

The Prime Minister also issued special instructions to expedite the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs) in an efficient manner. He stressed the need to provide electricity to industries at competitive tariffs to boost the country's industrial production capacity.

Highlighting recent reforms, he noted improvements in the electricity transmission system. He added that enhanced coordination among ministries and relevant entities has resulted in better facilitation for both domestic and industrial energy consumers nationwide.

During the briefing, it was informed that initial consultations with all ministries are underway for the formulation of the National Energy Plan.