Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed today that the government will cease purchasing electricity after March 2025, as the authorization for the creation of an Independent Electricity Market has been granted. This development was shared during the Question Hour by Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, who emphasized that the new market structure will allow consumers to buy electricity from multiple suppliers.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Leghari revealed that contracts have been reviewed with over twenty-eight Independent Power Producers (IPPs), resulting in savings of 1457 billion rupees for the national exchequer. Since June of the previous year, the electricity tariff per unit has been reduced by eleven rupees for industries and by four rupees for the rest of the country. Furthermore, the tariff for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations has been lowered to thirty-nine rupees from seventy-one rupees per unit.
The Minister for Energy highlighted that special units have been set up to enhance recoveries and prevent power pilferage, with positive outcomes leading to the expansion of this initiative. Although there is no plan to revisit the slab system, the government is working on several initiatives to alleviate the burden on the general public. An advanced metering infrastructure has been introduced across all Distribution Companies (Discos) and is being implemented in phases to ensure accurate billing and improved customer satisfaction. Conditions for the privatization of power distribution companies are expected to be met by the end of the current month.
In other parliamentary updates, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar announced the reconstitution of the ICT Senior Citizens Council, which will soon convene its meeting. The approval of relevant rules will be included in the meeting agenda.
Parliamentary Secretary on Foreign Affairs Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal discussed Pakistan and China’s commitment to ensuring the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for mutual benefit. Recent high-level agreements have focused on advancing CPEC Phase-II, including industrialization, development of Special Economic Zones, technology transfer, and Gwadar Port development. She noted that twenty thousand Chinese nationals are currently working in Pakistan, while twenty-eight thousand Pakistani students are studying in China.
In response to a Calling Attention Notice, Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Darshan reported only two cases of human metapneumovirus in Islamabad, assuring the government’s vigilance on the matter.
The National Assembly adopted a motion expressing gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari for his address to both Houses on April 18 of the previous year. Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar praised the President for promoting democratic continuity, patience, and tolerance in Pakistan’s politics, and for strengthening the federating units.
The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at 2 p.m.