PM sets up task force on power sector reform

In an attempt to address the long-standing financial and operational challenges in the country’s power sector, the prime minister has announced the formation of a high-level task force dedicated to implementing structural reforms. The initiative aims to reduce the “financial burden of the sector being borne by the federal government and to enable the establishment of an efficient, liquid and self-sustaining competitive power market”, according to a notification issued on Sunday. The task force, chaired by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, also includes representatives from various regulatory bodies. Former caretaker federal energy minister Muhammad Ali, rehired as the premier’s special assistant on power with the status of minister of state, will serve as the co-chairman of the task force, with Lt Gen Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, HI (M), taking on the role of national coordinator.