Govt pushes for export economy, power sector self-reliance

May 26, 2025 (MLN): The government has focused on building an exports-oriented economy rather than relying on imports, emphasizing the urgent need for indigenization in the power sector, said Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.

He highlighted ongoing power sector reforms, noting that the independent system and market operator is fully operational, and the Energy Infrastructure Development and Management Company will soon be activated.

The minister spoke via video link at the national consultative workshop on the “Power Sector Indigenization Road Map,” jointly organized by the National Grid Company (NGC) and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Energy Institute.

The workshop gathered leaders from the power sector, manufacturing, regulatory bodies, policymakers, and academia to develop a unified strategy for accelerating local manufacturing of electrical power equipment in Pakistan.

Leghari praised the initiative, pointing out that NGC is the first national entity to implement an approved Indigenization Policy, with its strategic procurement model already producing measurable benefits, as per the press release issued.

He called on WAPDA, distribution companies, Karachi Electric, and other public and private power producers to adopt indigenization as a fundamental procurement principle aligned with the National Electricity Plan 2023–2027, rather than treating it as corporate social responsibility.

A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of Pakistan’s first Power Equipment Manufacturing Dashboard, developed by the LUMS Energy Institute with contributions from sector stakeholders.

This digital tool will track localization progress, evaluate vendor capabilities, and identify investment opportunities under the Power Sector Indigenization Plan (PSIP).

The dashboard was inaugurated by key figures including Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman of NGC Board, Pakistan Engineering Council Chairman Engineer Waseem Nazir, NGC Managing Director Engineer Muhammad Waseem Younas, and K-Electric CEO Syed Monis Abdullah Alvi.

Minister Leghari welcomed the dashboard, stating it will support the power sector’s indigenization efforts.

Dr. Fiaz Chaudhry added that NGC’s indigenization strategy, based on policy reforms and targeted educational orders, has already saved over $10 million in foreign exchange through import substitution.

He emphasized LUMS’ ongoing commitment to support policy development, digital innovation, and institutional transformation within the energy sector.

Currently, Pakistan’s market for static transmission and substations is valued at around $8m, but this does not reflect the full potential.

Dr. Chaudhry urged efforts to triple this market size through strategic growth, innovation, and industrial development.

He also set an ambitious export target of at least $16m for the sector to help Pakistan compete effectively on the global stage.

Copyright Mettis Link News