ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has disclosed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is resisting Pakistan’s proposal to provide cheaper electricity to consumers during certain hours, despite months of negotiations.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Leghari said the government has been pressing the IMF to allow time‑based relief in electricity tariffs, but the lender has so far declined.
“Continuous negotiations have been underway for the last few months to secure this facility,” he noted, adding that all relevant facts will be presented to convince the IMF so that relief can be extended to the public.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan is undertaking “major and fundamental reforms” in the energy sector. He said the country’s first comprehensive energy plan will be unveiled in April next year, marking a significant shift in policy direction.
Highlighting future developments, Leghari explained that under modern techniques, households will be able to store solar energy during the day and use it at night.
This innovation, he said, will ease pressure on the national grid and reduce consumer costs, offering a sustainable path forward for Pakistan’s energy sector.
