Pakistan and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the country’s energy sector through strategic partnerships and technical support. A high-level World Bank delegation, led by Regional Director for South Asia Pankaj Gupta, met with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari to discuss sustainable energy development and infrastructure enhancement.

Focus on Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure

The discussions centered on accelerating sustainable energy initiatives, improving infrastructure, and addressing challenges in the oil and gas sectors. Minister Malik emphasized the government’s dedication to modernizing Pakistan’s energy landscape through integrated planning, efficiency improvements, and clean energy projects. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration and investment to achieve long-term energy security and sustainability goals.

World Bank’s Continued Support

Pankaj Gupta reaffirmed the World Bank’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s energy reforms and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation. He acknowledged the progress made by the government and discussed potential technical assistance programs to strengthen institutional capacity and infrastructure. Gupta emphasized that energy remains a top priority for the World Bank and noted Pakistan’s significant potential for renewable hydropower, particularly through the Indus River system.

Advancing Energy Sector Reforms

Minister Leghari welcomed the delegation and highlighted the critical stage of privatizing distribution companies. He stated, “Our aim is to meet the energy needs of future generations in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.” Gupta stressed the importance of utilizing models like the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) and Integrated Energy Planning (IEP) to forecast demand and resource availability accurately. He also supported involving the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) in the planning process and recommended that the transmission system remain in the public sector until it is fully prepared for privatization.

Aligning with Long-Term Strategic Framework

The World Bank seeks to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan with Pakistan’s power sector, aligning with the Bank’s ten-year strategic framework for the country. This collaboration aims to ensure that energy projects are well-planned, appropriately located, and maintain affordability, contributing to Pakistan’s sustainable economic growth.