https://arab.news/b9nab
- Muhammad Aurangzeb says government wants participation of private firms in the power sector
- He promises to support K-Electric's plan to transition to renewables for more affordable energy
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the efficiency of Pakistan’s power sector during a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of K-Electric, Mark Skelton.
Pakistan’s power sector faces chronic issues, including inefficiencies, high losses and financial instability. The sector is largely composed of power generation companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos), both of which have struggled with outdated infrastructure, circular debt and poor management.
The government has initiated several reforms aimed at addressing these challenges, particularly focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring more reliable power delivery across the country.
“The Minister recounted the structural reforms being undertaken in the power sector, including the reconstitution of Boards of Directors of Discos by bringing in professionals from the private sector and reducing the number of government nominees to bring in more efficiency in the boards and improve overall service delivery,” said a statement released by the finance division after the meeting.
“He reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure private sector participation in all government-owned Discos and Gencos and mentioned the start of the process of privatizing three Discos in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to enable and facilitate the private sector to lead the economy,” it added.
K-Electric, Pakistan’s largest private utility company, is responsible for generating, transmitting and distributing electricity to Karachi and its surrounding areas.
Its top official briefed the minister about the utility company’s plans to cater to the growing energy demands of Karachi, adding that it wanted to transition to renewables to ensure affordable and sustainable energy for the residents of the port city.
The minister lauded the initiatives taken by K-Electric for further investment and expansion of its power generation and distribution operations, promising full support to make the transition to cheaper electricity possible.