Time-based power tariff: IMF not allowing Pakistan to offer cheap electricity: Leghari

Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said the IMF has not yet approved Pakistan's proposal to offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, despite negotiations over the past several months.

 

Speaking at the "Solar. Storage. Flexibility 2026" conference, Leghari said the government believes time-based electricity pricing would increase power consumption, improve grid efficiency, and support energy storage without creating any fiscal burden.

 

He said Pakistan's solar power capacity has reached nearly 38,000MW, shifting the country's energy challenge from generation to efficient utilisation and storage. He stressed that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential to achieving the target of 90% clean energy by 2035, up from the current 55%.

 

The minister said the government is developing a national battery manufacturing policy, advancing pilot BESS projects, and preparing a comprehensive energy plan due by April next year to support long-term energy security and attract investment.