PM Shehbaz pushes for renewable energy sources to meet future demands

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasised the need to pursue renewable energy sources to meet future demands and instructed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy.

“Generation of power through hydropower, solar energy, biogas, and other renewable sources will further reduce the cost of production and positively impact economic growth,” said PM Shehbaz while chairing a meeting to review reform measures in the energy sector.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister reiterated the need to pursue renewable energy sources to meet future demands. He emphasised that these efforts would also reduce dependence on imported fuel and stated that no leniency would be shown to those involved in power theft.

“The transformers in areas with a high rate of power theft must be equipped with smart meters as soon as possible,” he said.

The statement added that the prime minister instructed that departmental action be ensured against companies that have recently violated the ‘Economic Merit Order.’

The premier stated that steps should be taken to make the power market competitive in the country.

The statement said that the prime minister directed the expedited provision of 400 megawatts of electricity to the private sector through the first phase of the Wheeling System.

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According to PMO, during the briefing, it was informed that due to effective measures taken by power distribution companies, power theft, non-payment, and other losses had significantly reduced.

“Power distribution losses have decreased from 18.3% in June 2024 to 15.3% in March 2026. Electricity bill recovery has also improved, rising to 96.46% in March 2026, compared to 90% in June 2024,” it said.

The meeting was also informed about the ongoing efforts to involve the private sector in three power distribution companies, with the bidding process set to be completed by November 2026.

Among the attendees were Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior officials from relevant departments.