PM Shehbaz orders strategy to cut power tariffs, boost energy reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy to stabilise electricity tariffs, with a focus on providing relief to both domestic and industrial consumers.

Chairing a meeting on energy sector reforms, the premier emphasised the need for concrete measures to ease the burden of high power costs, while also calling for major improvements in the transmission system to reduce line losses.

He stressed the importance of modernising the sector through the use of advanced technologies and accelerating renewable energy projects to help address Pakistan’s energy shortfall. The prime minister also highlighted the need to enhance digital facilities to make electricity bill payments more convenient for consumers.

Reiterating the government’s stance, Shehbaz Sharif ordered the continuation of strict action against electricity theft and underscored that uninterrupted energy supply is critical for industrial growth. He added that protecting domestic consumers remains a top priority.

Officials briefed the meeting on proposals related to electricity consumption patterns for households and industry, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency and affordability.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, among others.

The development follows ongoing efforts to redesign the tariff structure, including proposals to encourage industrial consumption during off-peak hours to improve energy efficiency and competitiveness, in coordination with international partners such as the World Bank.