Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the energy sector, as Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari met with Emma Xiaoqin Fan to discuss ongoing reforms and future initiatives.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing resilience in the power sector despite mounting global energy challenges.
He attributed this stability to an increased reliance on indigenous energy resources, including local coal, hydropower, and solar energy.
Emphasizing the government’s strategy, he said efforts are underway to further expand the share of locally sourced fuels in electricity generation, a move aimed at maintaining affordability for consumers.
Ms. Fan commended the government’s proactive approach, noting that recent reforms have strengthened not only the power sector but also the broader national economy.
Representing the Asian Development Bank, she expressed the institution’s interest in expanding its engagement in Pakistan through support for key areas such as digitization, integrated energy planning, data governance, privatization, and institutional strengthening.
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She revealed that the ADB is already providing technical assistance for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and is conducting studies on the impact of rooftop solar installations and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
These initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in modernizing Pakistan’s energy landscape and improving efficiency across the system.
In addition to technical support, Ms. Fan highlighted ADB-backed capacity-building programs, including specialized training opportunities in Korea for Pakistani power sector professionals.
Minister Leghari underscored the need for transparency and merit in the selection process for such programs, stressing that a skilled workforce is essential for sustainable institutional reform.
The minister also emphasized the strategic importance of the National Grid Company (NGC), calling for support in its restructuring.
He noted that the government has engaged the Pakistan Business Council to help attract investment in the transmission sector, adding that greater focus will be placed on transmission infrastructure following ongoing privatization efforts.
Looking ahead, Ms. Fan shared that an ADB Vice President is expected to visit Pakistan later this month, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two sides.
