ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Turkiye signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting institutional cooperation, strengthening technical collaboration and enhancing knowledge sharing between their energy sector institutions.
The agreements were signed during high-level consultations held in Istanbul between Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Two of the MoUs were signed between Pakistan Independent Systems and Markets Operator (ISMO) and Turkiye Energy Exchange (EPIAS) and Transmission System Operator (TEIAS), while a third MoU was signed between Pakistan Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and Turkiye Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAS).
The MoUs cover cooperation on post-privatisation governance frameworks, electricity market development and regulations governing ancillary services. They will also promote training programs, study visits and joint projects between relevant institutions.
The Turkish side expressed its commitment to supporting long-term institutional cooperation with Pakistan. Both countries agreed to work to strengthen institutional capacity and facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge.
The two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration in power system operations and transmission planning, while expanding cooperation in the management and digitalization of the electricity distribution sector.
Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and termed bilateral partnerships as important to strengthen energy institutions. He described the MoUs as a key outcome of the energy dialogue and a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
The minister said Pakistan would benefit from Turkiye’s experience in electricity market reforms, as well as its experience in developing transmission systems and modernizing the distribution sector.
Earlier, the energy ministers of Pakistan and Turkiye held high-level inter-ministerial consultations on the energy sector. During the consultations, the two sides held detailed discussions on reforms and privatization of electricity distribution companies.
The meeting aimed to benefit from international experience in restructuring, commercialization and privatization of Pakistan’s energy sector. Pakistan reviewed Turkiye’s successful model for privatizing electricity distribution companies.
Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly privatization process. “Reforms are being carried out in distribution companies, improvements in governance and strengthening of the regulatory framework,” he stated.
Turkiye offered technical assistance for reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector and assured support for increasing contacts between Pakistani authorities and Turkish companies. It also agreed to share its experience in electricity privatization and distribution.
Turkiye expressed support for Pakistan’s power sector privatization and reform programme, while Turkish investors were invited to invest in Pakistan’s power sector. Both sides decided to enhance cooperation aimed at improving the financial sustainability and performance of Pakistan’s energy sector. Additionally, they agreed to promote a long-term partnership in the energy sector.
