Leghari, Governor Kundi discuss power sector reforms, DISCOs performance

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Friday met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi here at the Ministry of Energy.

The meeting focused on the ongoing reforms in the power sector, the performance of power distribution companies (DISCOs), the financial improvement of the energy sector, the overall political situation in the country, and other matters of mutual interest, said a press release.

The minister briefed the Governor on the comprehensive reforms underway in the power sector, highlighting that over the past two years, the Government has undertaken a series of significant financial, administrative, and technical measures to strengthen the energy sector.

He said the reforms had led to a marked improvement in the performance of power distribution companies, while line losses and financial deficits had declined considerably. He added that circular debt had been reduced by approximately Rs780 billion during the period.

Leghari stated that after addressing the challenge of excess generation capacity, the Government is now moving rapidly towards the establishment of a competitive electricity market, replacing the traditional power procurement model. The new framework will enable direct electricity trading between businesses.

He further informed that the privatization process for three power distribution companies has commenced under the first phase of the Government’s privatization programme, while other DISCOs will be brought into the programme in a phased manner.

The minister also apprised the Governor of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the transmission system. He said that the Government is working on the digitization of the national grid, enhancing transmission capacity, promoting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and expanding the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Around 16 million electricity meters across the country are being converted to a digital system in phases.

He further noted that under the APMS transformer-level load management is being introduced to minimize feeder and grid shutdowns and ensure more reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi appreciated the Government’s ongoing reforms in the power sector and the measures being taken to improve the energy sector. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would deliver tangible benefits to the public and contribute positively to the national economy.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the country’s overall political situation, public welfare, and other matters of mutual interest.

Both leaders reaffirmed that close cooperation between the Federation and the provinces remains essential for national development, economic stability, and improved public service delivery.