PM Shehbaz advocates renewable energy sources to meet future demands

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the need to look for renewable energy sources to meet future demands and directed formulation of a comprehensive strategy.

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

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

“Transformers in areas with a high rate of energy theft should be equipped with smart meters as soon as possible,” he said.

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

The prime minister stated that measures must be taken to make the country’s energy market competitive.

The statement said the prime minister ordered the accelerated supply of 400 megawatts of electricity to the private sector through the first phase of the Wheeling System.

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According to the PMO, during the briefing it was reported that due to effective measures taken by the power distribution companies, power theft, defaults and other losses had been reduced significantly.

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

The meeting also reported on ongoing efforts to involve the private sector in three power distribution companies, the bidding process of which will end in 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, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Privatization Advisor Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials of relevant departments.