Steering Committee reviews Pakistan’s electricity regulatory framework and calls for a predictable, transparent and investment-friendly system.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee on “Power Sector Regulatory Regime – Improvement & Reforms,” established on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing Pakistan’s existing electricity-sector regulatory structure and developing measures to improve efficiency, encourage investment and strengthen competition. The initiative aims to address regulatory challenges and create a more effective operating environment for the power industry.
Focus on Regulatory Certainty and Investment
During the meeting, participants examined the current regulatory framework and discussed ways to make the power sector more attractive to private investors. The committee stressed that a clear, consistent and predictable regulatory system is essential for encouraging long-term investment and improving operational performance.
Members also highlighted the importance of aligning Pakistan’s regulatory and policy arrangements with international best practices. However, they noted that proposed reforms must reflect the country’s institutional capacity, market conditions and specific sector requirements.
The discussions emphasized the need to balance investment facilitation with transparency, appropriate safeguards and regulatory certainty. Such measures are expected to help build investor confidence while supporting sustainable improvements across the electricity sector.
Coordinated Approach to Power Sector Reforms
The Finance Minister called for closer coordination among ministries, regulatory authorities and relevant institutions to resolve policy and regulatory issues affecting the industry.
He stressed that the reform process should be practical, time-bound and focused on achieving measurable improvements in sector performance and investment outcomes. Aurangzeb also underlined the potential role of private-sector participation in improving efficiency, encouraging competition and supporting future power-sector development.
The committee discussed the preparation of a comprehensive and phased reform roadmap featuring clearly defined responsibilities and implementation timelines.
Technical Working Group to Prepare Proposals
The meeting also reviewed the responsibilities of the Technical Working Group, which will conduct detailed assessments of identified regulatory challenges and prepare targeted recommendations for the Steering Committee.
Participants emphasized the importance of consulting investors and other stakeholders to gather feedback and identify areas requiring regulatory improvements.
The Technical Working Group will submit its proposals for review. The Steering Committee will then consider and approve recommendations, monitor implementation and issue necessary policy directions to concerned ministries and agencies.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Power, the National Coordinator of the National Crisis Management Cell, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation, the Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, the NEPRA chairman and senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions.