The Minister of Energy, Awais Ahmad Leghari, dismissed the recent comments of the former Minister of Finance, Miftah Ismail, about energy policies as “deceitful and without foundation”, accusing him of presenting incorrect statistics to be wicked to the public.
Responding to Ismail’s criticism, Leghari stressed that the government remains committed to promoting renewable energy as a key priority.
“The Government has encouraged the public to adopt solar energy. After the amendments to net measurement regulations, solar energy costs have decreased. As a result, more than 4,000 megawatts of electricity generated by SOLAS have already been integrated into the national network,” he said.
Looking towards the future, the minister projected that in the next eight years, the capacity of the solar net measurement would exceed 12,000 megawatts. “Future Net Solar Measurement consumers will recover their investment in three or four years, which makes it a highly profitable company,” he added.
Leghari clarified that existing net measurement contracts would remain intact at their original rates. He also noted that several countries worldwide adjust net measurement prices to avoid undue tension in national networks and economies.
When addressing the agreements of the electricity sector, he stressed that the government has successfully renegotiated independent energy producer (IPP) producer through the mutual consensus.
“These reviews have yielded financial benefits greater than RS1,500 billion, which will soon be transmitted to the public through reduced electricity rates,” he said.
He stressed the progress of Pakistan in renewable energy, noting that more than 55% of the energy supply of the national network last year came from clean sources, including hydroelectric energy, solar energy, wind and nuclear energy.
“In the coming years, the proportion of clean and green energy will increase to 85%, which is a milestone in which we should be proud,” he said.
Leghari also criticized Ismail’s statements about exports and the shortage of sugar, stating that the government had taken appropriate measures to stabilize sugar and wheat supply.
“It is unfortunate that a former finance minister is politicizing economic challenges instead of recognizing the steps taken to guarantee market stability,” he said.
In addition, he noted that significant reforms have been introduced in the energy, agriculture and economic sectors. “The electricity sector, in particular, has suffered most reforms. Not recognizing these achievements is very unfortunate,” he added.
Leghari condemned Ismail’s comments as “irresponsible”, urging him to refrain from making claims without supporting data.
“The unfounded statements without objective support reflect someone who once occupied a key economic position. Instead of criticism criticism, we welcome constructive suggestions that can contribute to the progress of the country,” he concluded.
