Islamabad August 5 2024: The Prime Minister had taken a decisive step, announcing the formation of a Task Force dedicated to implementing structural reforms.
The goal was ambitious: to alleviate the financial burdens plaguing the sector, foster efficiency, liquidity, and pave the way for a self-sustaining competitive power market.
At the helm of this crucial initiative was Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Federal Minister for Power, appointed as the Chairman. Beside him stood Mr. Muhammad Ali, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power, serving as the Co-Chairman. The task force also included Lt. Gen Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, a distinguished figure appointed as the National Coordinator, and Mr. Syed Zakaria Ali Shah from the Sectt Group, alongside other key members representing significant regulatory and oversight bodies.
With their roles clearly defined, the Task Force was empowered to seek expertise from both the public and private sectors. They could engage international consulting firms, bankers, legal advisors, and more, to gather the necessary records and information to drive their mission forward.
The terms of reference laid out their course of action: to recommend measures ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of the power sector, oversee the development and implementation of a liquid and efficient power market design, and propose ways to utilize excess capacity for industrial growth, particularly within Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
As the Task Force embarked on this transformative journey, the weight of expectation from the government and the nation rested on their shoulders, marking a pivotal chapter in Pakistan’s energy narrative.
