ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered authorities to reduce electricity transmission losses and intensify action against power theft, as Pakistan pushes ahead with reforms to ease pressure on consumers and industry.
The directives came at a high-level meeting on the energy sector, where officials were asked to improve the transmission system, expand digital payment facilities and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for industrial growth, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Steps should be taken to facilitate industrial and domestic electricity consumers,” Sharif said, adding that authorities must “bring about a significant reduction in line losses by improving the power transmission system.”
He also directed officials to “continue strict measures to eliminate electricity theft” and to formulate a comprehensive strategy to stabilize power tariffs.
Pakistan’s power sector has long struggled with high line losses — electricity lost during transmission and distribution due to aging infrastructure, faulty networks and inefficiencies in the grid — as well as widespread theft, often through illegal connections and meter tampering, both of which increase system inefficiencies and drive up costs for paying consumers.
The meeting comes after power outages lasting up to five hours in some areas during April due to fuel shortages amid the war in Iran, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining stable electricity supply.
Sharif also called for the promotion of renewable energy projects to address supply gaps and emphasized that reforms in the energy sector should serve the broader interests of both consumers and industry.
“Uninterrupted supply of energy must be ensured to promote industrial growth,” he said.
Pakistan’s power sector faces a range of challenges including high generation costs, circular debt and reliance on imported fuels, which have strained public finances and kept tariffs elevated.
Energy costs remain a key concern for households and businesses in Pakistan.
