Islamabad (Staff Reporter):
Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, announced that Pakistan is set to enter the final implementation phase of its first-ever “Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market” (CTBCM) policy within the next two months. This development marks a significant shift in the country’s energy landscape, where the government will cease purchasing electricity directly, transitioning instead to a competitive energy market.
The minister shared these remarks during a high-level meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Ousmane Dione, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Under the CTBCM model, electricity will be freely traded in the market, allowing buyers and sellers to engage directly. The new system introduces mechanisms such as “wheeling charges” while restricting the government’s role to that of a regulator. Leghari emphasized that the transition will be gradual and carried out under a comprehensive strategy to maintain system stability.
During the meeting, Minister Leghari also briefed the World Bank delegation on the government’s energy sector reforms, including net metering policy, privatization initiatives, regulatory improvements, and investment opportunities. He reiterated that Pakistan is committed to promoting private sector participation and transparency, encouraging international investors to become key stakeholders.
In response, Ousmane Dione praised Pakistan’s energy reforms and reaffirmed the World Bank’s continued support. He stressed the critical role of the energy sector in national development, noting that a sustainable, reliable, and investment-friendly energy system is essential for economic progress. Dione assured that the World Bank will remain a strong partner in helping Pakistan achieve its energy goals.
The minister also presented a comprehensive booklet detailing the ongoing energy reforms and expressed hope that the partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank would further strength in the future.
