By SKM
Decmber08, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Leghari met with the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, on Monday to review ongoing reforms in Pakistan’s power sector and explore avenues for deeper U.S. cooperation and investment.
During the meeting, Leghari urged the U.S. to play a more active role in mobilizing support from American-backed multilateral development institutions—particularly the IMF and the World Bank—to help Pakistan address structural bottlenecks hindering sustainable sectoral growth. He stressed that continued international backing is critical for implementing long-term reforms aimed at improving financial viability and overall system performance.
Leghari also briefed Ambassador Baker on the government’s newly introduced Surplus Power Package, designed to stimulate industrial activity by offering competitively priced electricity to manufacturers. He sought U.S. assistance in extending the package to greenfield industrial projects, which he said would encourage fresh domestic and foreign investment.
The two sides reviewed ongoing efforts to curb technical and commercial losses in the distribution network and improve recoveries—areas where government reforms have already begun yielding results. Ambassador Baker commended the ministry’s “data-driven and targeted interventions” in reducing inefficiencies and managing circular debt.
Investment prospects for U.S. companies were also discussed, with a particular focus on the power transmission sector, where Pakistan sees significant potential for private sector participation. Ambassador Baker expressed strong interest in emerging opportunities within this segment.
Leghari additionally sought U.S. support in encouraging American investors to consider acquiring distribution companies (DISCOs) currently being offered for privatization. He underscored that greater private sector involvement is essential for improving operational performance, governance, and service delivery.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration to strengthen Pakistan’s power sector and promote long-term economic stability. Ends
