PM Shehbaz advocates for renewable energy sources to meet future demands

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed the need to seek renewable energy sources to meet future demands and charged the formulation of a comprehensive strategy.

“Power generation through hydropower, solar energy, biogas and other renewable sources will further reduce the cost of production and have a positive impact on economic growth,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said 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 seek renewable energy sources to meet future demand. He stressed that these efforts would also reduce dependence on imported fuel and said no leniency would be given to those involved in electricity theft.

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

The statement added that the Prime Minister requested that ministerial action be taken against companies that have recently violated the “Order of Economic Merit”.

The Prime Minister said steps should be taken to make the electricity market competitive in the country.

The statement said the Prime Minister ordered the accelerated delivery 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 informed that due to the effective measures taken by the electricity distribution companies, electricity theft, non-payments and other losses have reduced significantly.

“Losses in electricity distribution decreased from 18.3% in June 2024 to 15.3% in March 2026. Collection of electricity bills also improved, standing at 96.46% in March 2026, compared to 90% in June 2024,” it said.

The meeting was also briefed on ongoing efforts to involve the private sector in three power distribution companies, with the tender process expected to be completed by November 2026.

Participants included Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economy Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Oil Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Privatization Advisor Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials from relevant departments.