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Pakistan Fast-Tracks Power Privatization Under PM Shehbaz's Orders

The push aims to cut sector losses by drawing private investment into a competitive market.

Overview

  • The government is moving to publish expressions of interest soon for IESCO, FESCO and GEPCO as part of the next phase of distribution company privatization.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed priority completion of grid-strengthening projects, with the 500 kV Ghazi Barotha–Faisalabad line’s PC-1 now in the approval process.
  • A Battery Energy Storage System will be advanced through public‑private partnerships, with concept clearance granted and a feasibility study underway.
  • Technical feasibility to convert certain plants from imported coal to Thar coal is complete, and work continues on a railway link to supply local fuel.
  • Officials reported an 8% rise in August power generation and lower line losses, while state DISCOs recorded about Rs171 billion in first‑quarter losses and circular debt stood near Rs1.66 trillion in mid‑2025.