Minister Awais Leghari, US Ambassador Natalie Baker discuss on strengthening Pakistan’s power sector

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Mr. Awais Ahmed Leghari, held a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie Baker, to discuss ongoing reforms, future collaboration, and investment opportunities in Pakistan’s power sector.

During the meeting, Mr. Awais Leghari requested the Ambassador’s support in engaging U.S.-based multilateral development partners and international financial institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank, to help remove obstacles hindering the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s power sector.

He emphasized the importance of development partners’ assistance in enabling Pakistan to implement structural reforms and improve sectoral performance.

Mr. Awais Leghari also briefed Ambassador Baker on the recently launched Surplus Power Package, highlighting its potential to boost economic activity by offering competitively priced electricity to industrial consumers. He requested U.S. support in extending this package to greenfield industries, which would further stimulate investment and industrial growth.

The discussion also covered ongoing efforts to address inefficiencies across the power distribution system, particularly in reducing technical and commercial losses and improving recoveries. Ambassador Baker appreciated the Power Ministry’s continued reforms and commended the government’s progress in reducing inefficiencies and managing circular debt through targeted, data-driven interventions.

Both sides also discussed investment opportunities for U.S. investors, especially in Pakistan’s power transmission sector, where significant potential exists for private sector participation. Ambassador Baker expressed keen interest in these opportunities.

The meeting further touched upon the privatization of distribution companies (DISCOs). Mr. Awais Leghari requested the Ambassador’s support in encouraging U.S. investors to consider acquiring DISCOs currently being offered for privatization, noting that private sector participation remains essential for enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.