ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Leghari and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker held a meeting in Islamabad to discuss reforms, collaboration and investment opportunities in the power sector.
During the meeting, Leghari sought US support in enhancing Pakistan’s engagement with U.S.-based multilateral development partners and international financial institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank, noting their critical role in addressing challenges that hinder sustainable sectoral growth.
He emphasized the importance of development partners in enabling Pakistan to implement structural reforms, improve operational performance, and ensure financial stability across the energy system.
Leghari briefed the US envoy on the new Surplus Power Package, designed to boost economic activity by offering competitively priced electricity to industrial users. He requested US backing to extend the package to greenfield industries to spur investment and industrial expansion.
The discussion also reviewed ongoing measures to reduce technical and commercial losses, enhance recoveries, and resolve persistent inefficiencies within distribution companies.
The US Chargé d’Affaires commended Pakistan’s reform efforts, noting improvements in efficiency and progress in managing circular debt through targeted, data-driven strategies. She welcomed the government’s commitment to modernizing the sector.
Both sides examined opportunities for greater US private-sector investment, particularly in the power transmission segment, where significant potential exists.
