The National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division on Wednesday reviewed ongoing and proposed power transmission projects, highlighted implementation bottlenecks and emphasized export-led growth to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and reduce reliance on foreign borrowing. Committee meeting was chaired by Acting Chairman Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, according to press release issued by National Secretariat.
NA committee reviews power transmission projects, stresses export-led growth
ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division on Wednesday reviewed ongoing and proposed power transmission projects, highlighted implementation bottlenecks and emphasized export-led growth to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and reduce reliance on foreign borrowing.
Committee meeting was chaired by Acting Chairman Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, according to press release issued by National Secretariat.
The Committee was informed that 40 ongoing projects were being implemented under 17 loan agreements with financial assistance from international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Agence Française Development, KfW Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Around 52 per cent of the total agreed loan amount had been disbursed. The projects cover six major categories, including transmission and distribution system augmentation, construction and upgradation of grid stations, CASA-1000 and related infrastructure.
Another 38 projects are in the proposed pipeline, with completion timelines extending up to 2036, while ongoing projects are expected to be completed between November 2026 and December 2028.
The Committee was apprised of key implementation challenges, including delays in the allocation of rupee cover, which affected loan disbursements, utilization and payments, as well as limited shutdown windows for transmission line augmentation and reconductoring works.
Delays in approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), particularly for the Tarbela 5th Extension Project and Jauharabad, right-of-way constraints and pending provincial clearances were also highlighted.
Dr. Baig assured the Committee that he would take up the relevant issues with the government of Sindh to expedite affected projects. Coordination with district administrations, site-access difficulties and security concerns in Zhob and other parts of Balochistan were also discussed.
Regarding CASA-1000, the Committee was informed that associated stations would remain under the contractor’s care and custody until the Afghanistan segment became operational. The Committee appreciated the introduction of BEST-PAK Phase-I and STATCOM technology in Pakistan for the first time, terming them important for improving power system stability, efficiency and transmission reliability.
The Committee was also briefed on government measures to reduce dependence on foreign borrowing through export growth and market diversification. It was informed that exports reached US$40.4 billion in FY2025-26, against imports of US$80.9 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of US$40.5 billion. Workers’ remittances stood at US$41.6 billion, while an export target of US$63 billion had been set for FY2028-29.
Proposed measures include improved export financing, reducing business costs, promoting SMEs, securing zero-duty market access through FTAs, PTAs and the GSP scheme, tariff rationalization, market diversification and implementation of the Strategic Trade Policy Framework for FY2026-2031.
Exploring IT-sector export opportunities was also highlighted. The Committee stressed effective implementation, coordination and monitoring to achieve export targets and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.
MNAs Muhammad Khan Daha, Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, Huma Chughtai, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Syeda Shehla Raza and Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan attended the meeting, along with Additional Secretary EAD and officials of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other concerned departments.
