Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the government to further reduce electricity rates for consumers and accelerate the implementation of a long-term strategy for affordable power generation.
During a meeting in Islamabad on Friday, the PM emphasized prioritizing low-cost energy projects by leveraging domestic resources. He underscored the need to use sustainable solutions like hydropower and solar energy to make electricity more affordable and environmentally friendly.
The PM was updated on the progress of ongoing hydropower projects and highlighted their importance in providing low-cost, green energy. He also pushed for transitioning existing power plants to solar energy, citing Pakistan’s significant potential in this area and the global trend toward adopting solar as a cost-effective and renewable energy source.
Addressing inefficiencies in the power sector, the PM called for the immediate shutdown of outdated power plants that consume excessive fuel and produce insufficient electricity. He noted that closing these plants would save foreign exchange spent on fuel imports and lower electricity costs.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz urged strict action against officials obstructing power sector reforms. He directed the modernisation of the transmission network to meet international standards, ensuring the system prioritises low-cost electricity based on production costs.
The meeting also reviewed progress on reforms, ongoing power projects, and the status of power demand and supply. Updates were provided on efforts to phase out plants using imported fuel and improvements in the transmission system.
The PM instructed that all reforms be completed within the designated timeline to provide swift relief and efficiency to the power sector.
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PRESS UPDATE