ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved in principle fundamental reforms and reconstruction of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).
He gave this approval while chairing the third and final phase of a high-level meeting in Islamabad, focusing on the assessment of reforms in the power sector.
To ensure the implementation of these reforms and their effective execution, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee, which was tasked with finalizing recommendations and overseeing the application of reforms and restructuring.
In order to ensure the successful implementation of power sector reforms, the Prime Minister has also ordered to establish a cell at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad, which will closely monitor the entire process.
The Prime Minister also sought a report regarding conversion of high-loss fans to energy-efficient fans, a project initiated during his previous tenure.
Additionally, the prime minister also ordered to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to provide energy-efficient fans to low-income consumers. Efforts will be made to ensure the provision of electricity to industries at reduced rates to promote industrial growth and increase revenue.
The meeting resulted in significant decisions regarding the transmission system of electricity and the Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
The meeting extensively discussed various proposals regarding the issues and reforms of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company. Recommendations were also made regarding the current situation of the Distribution Companies, their losses, and outsourcing.
The meeting was briefed on tariff rationalization and informed about electricity rates provided to industries and domestic consumers. Various regulations were presented in the meeting, suggesting the use of electricity instead of gas for cooking purposes, among other uses.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the briefing and issued directives for the timely implementation of approved reforms.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ataullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, Abdul Aleem Khan, former Minister of Power Muhammad Ali, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahangir Khan, Members of the National Assembly Bilal Azhar Kiani, Engineer Qamar ul Islam, Coordinator to the Minister Shahbaz Sharif Rana Ehsan Afzal, Chairman FBR, Chairman NEPRA, and other relevant high-ranking officials.
