Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light to important amendments in the National Electricity Plan 2023-27. He also approved the high-level design report for the Integrated Energy Plan covering 2027 to 2060. The decisions came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy held at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
The Power Division presented the proposed changes. These focus on better integrated energy planning, boosting power generation, and delivering renewable energy to remote areas. Other points include cross-border electricity trade, expanding the transmission network, improving tariff design, promoting electricity conservation, and strengthening system and market operations. The amendments also cover risk management, administrative improvements, local capacity building for fuel and technology, plus greater research, development, and digitisation in the power sector.
While approving the updates, the prime minister directed that further talks take place with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority before the changes are fully implemented.
Officials explained that the long-term Integrated Energy Plan will involve stakeholders beyond federal and provincial governments. The goal is to secure energy supplies and keep Pakistan’s power sector competitive. The plan aims to deliver electricity to industrial and household users at reasonable prices while encouraging low-carbon and climate-friendly generation sources.
The meeting also reviewed the circular debt situation. The Power Division shared figures for the power sector in fiscal year 2025-26, while the Petroleum Division presented the position for the gas sector.
In a separate meeting on the National Youth Employment Policy, the prime minister stressed the need to equip young people, especially women, with skills for new job opportunities. He called for special focus on employment in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Monthly review meetings will track progress on the policy. Youth Development Cells are being set up in educational institutions to offer career guidance and information on skills and jobs.
Later, the prime minister met the Minister for Religious Affairs and directed comprehensive arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims during Haj 2027. He asked that all necessary measures be completed on time so that pilgrims receive the best possible facilities and a smooth experience.
These steps show the government’s continued attention to energy security, youth opportunities, and better services for citizens.
