Islamabad: Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari announced that the government has discontinued the procurement of approximately 8000 megawatts of costly electricity, a move expected to save 17 billion dollars. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, he highlighted the government's commitment to implementing substantial reforms in the power sector.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari stated that the government is absorbing the losses of power distribution companies, shielding consumers from these costs. He emphasized that the reforms have led to a notable increase in recovery and a reduction in both losses and circular debt. Specifically, losses were reduced from 586 billion rupees to 393 billion rupees, and circular debt dropped by 780 billion rupees last year. Additionally, there was an improvement of 183 billion rupees in recoveries.

The minister also discussed the reduction in electricity prices, noting that power tariffs have decreased by 20 percent nationally over the past two years. He expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, electricity prices would align with international rates within the next 18 months.

Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari's remarks underscore the government's efforts to stabilize the power sector and bring economic relief to consumers.