In talks with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the government has saved Rs1.1 trillion, according to Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing of the 4th International Hydropower Conference, which Energy Updates organized in cooperation with the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), WAPDA, and other interested parties, the minister stated that the government and IPPs had mutually extended the contracts for the benefit of Pakistan.

He claimed that consumers were no longer able to pay their electricity bills and that the government planned to completely restructure the power industry.

He went on to say, “We are also restructuring National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).”

He explained that the government’s power sector reforms had resulted in a notable decrease in distribution businesses’ losses. According to him, these losses from July to November 2023 totaled Rs223 billion, but the same period in 2024 saw a drop to Rs170 billion.

He said out of a total of 10 Board of Directors (BoDs) of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), eight have been completely revamped, and not a single induction was made on a political basis.

According to him, the government was examining the several levies that are included in electricity bills in order to give customers the most relief possible.

He described a national uniform tariff as a significant obstacle, arguing that it is unjust to shift the burden from one business to another.

He said a competitive electricity market will be launched in March, where market forces would determine power tariffs and the government would play only a facilitating role.

The minister said that the demand for solar solutions was increasing due to the high cost of electricity. It is anticipated that the country’s net metering system will gain an extra 10,000–12,000 MW.

In 2017, he claimed to have implemented net metering throughout the nation. But according to him, the top class was enjoying net metering. “The country is experiencing a revolution in solar energy due to the high cost of electricity,” he continued.

Although the government calculates that the increase should only be Rs 1 per unit, K-Electric has requested a Rs 10 per unit increase in the rate from the power regulator.

Stressing the need for necessary decisions for sustainable development in the energy sector, the minister said the government was taking every possible measure to facilitate the public.

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was not visited by any party leader, family member, attorney, or member of the negotiation committee on Thursday at Adiala Jail, even though it was a scheduled meeting day.

For the first time in a year and a half, the former prime minister was alone during a whole meeting day.

The jail manual specifies Tuesday and Thursday as meeting days, providing a regular opportunity for communication. Sources, however, verified that none of the visitors got in touch with the jail administration or turned in the list of names needed to get entrance.

As the conference came to an end, PTI attorney Faisal Chaudhry disclosed that he had contacted jail officials on Wednesday at Omer Ayub’s direction. “I waited all day, but I never heard back, so the committee meeting was unable to happen,” Faisal said.

But according to jail officials, no PTI leader has called the jail administration for a meeting in the past two days. Visits are conducted in accordance with the established schedule, they clarified.

When the Toshakhana 2 case is heard tomorrow, there will be another meeting. “For two days, no request or list of visitors was submitted, nor did anyone come to meet the PTI founder,” a prison official said. According to jail sources, the PTI leadership forwards visitor names to the jail administration, but since Wednesday morning, no submissions have been made.

“The prison authorities do not have jurisdiction over the negotiation committee meeting,” the sources explained.

In past instances, PTI leaders and lawyers frequently arrived at the jail even without prior permission. However, this time, no effort was made by any party representative to reach Adiala Jail.

The PTI founder’s court appearance in the Tosha Khana II case tomorrow may present another chance for a meeting, according to sources. For the time being, the PTI founder remained isolated as the day came to a close.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz delivered a speech at the Chief Minister Livestock Card launch ceremony in Pakpattan, unveiling a comprehensive package of reforms and actions designed to enhance the welfare of farmers, improve public services, and promote infrastructural development in the province.

Through the Rs20 billion livestock card project, beneficiaries would be allocated Rs270,000 for a duration of four months to procure excellent fodder and improve animal health. The Punjab Chief Minister underscored the program’s efficacy in augmenting animal weight, consequently enhancing productivity.

Maryam stated that the cattle card scheme will be further expanded, noting that initiatives are underway to improve individuals’ incomes.

Next year, an additional 90,000 beneficiaries are scheduled to receive cards. The Chief Minister stated, “We are also enhancing the quality of animals.”
Rs 9 billion has been designated for vaccines, with initiatives in progress to enhance domestic vaccine production.
Agricultural machinery will soon be accessible to farmers in every village, accompanied by a return policy post-use. Additionally, 35 motorcycles have been allocated to veterinary assistants.
A Rs400 billion proposal for farmers encompasses subsidies for fertilizers and crops, guaranteeing affordability and eliminating black market activities.

The Chief Minister emphasized activities within the ‘Apna Ghar, Apna Chhat’ program, which has garnered more than 700,000 applications. This year, one lakh residences will be constructed, with an aim to accommodate 500,000 individuals over the next five years.

Maryam Nawaz proposed interest-free loans of up to Rs 30 million for youngsters to promote entrepreneurship and economic development, with no return interest obligation.

Initiation of key projects will include:

Metro Systems: Construction of metro bus services for Faisalabad and Gujranwala is scheduled to commence next year.
The Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital, a four-story facility in Sargodha, will be inaugurated in June, offering sophisticated cardiac care.
A comprehensive update of the province-wide sanitation system currently operating is scheduled for additional enhancements.
She stated that a call center had been established to identify issues in the development programs. “She informed others that she reviews the data each night before retiring.”

Empowering Females
Women in South Punjab are receiving special attention. Livestock and properties are being allocated to widows and economically disadvantaged women in regions including DG Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Multan.

Responsibility for Previous Administration
Maryam Nawaz criticized the prior administration’s allocation of public finances, emphasizing the absence of advancements in the construction of hospitals, schools, or institutions throughout their term. “This money was previously available; where has it disappeared?” she inquired, juxtaposing it with the PML-N’s vigorous development goal.

Maryam confirmed her dedication to guaranteeing that the benefits of Punjab’s economic recovery, diminished inflation, low flour costs, and enhanced stock market performance are accessible to the populace. “Our government is committed to delivering,” she stated.