ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Power Division on Wednesday unanimously recommended the passage of two key government bills aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s electricity regulatory framework and improving the performance of the power sector.
According to Beyond Time News, the committee meeting was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Acting Chairman Sheikh Aftab Ahmed. Lawmakers reviewed multiple issues linked to power transmission, load management, and infrastructure development during the session.
Key Bills Approved After Detailed Deliberation
The committee examined two important legislative proposals:
the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
After detailed discussion, members unanimously agreed to forward both bills for approval by the National Assembly. Officials from the Power Division informed the committee that the proposed amendments were mostly technical and procedural in nature. They said the changes aim to align existing laws with administrative and regulatory requirements.
Focus on Grid Stations and Infrastructure Gaps
Lawmakers also reviewed progress on major power infrastructure projects. One of the key discussions centered on the proposed 132 KV Haripur-II Grid Station.
A sub-committee led by MNA Babar Nawaz Khan recommended shifting the project site from Sarai Saleh to Padhana, Haripur. Members said technical assessments showed that the original location was not suitable, while the alternative site would be more efficient and cost-effective.
The sub-committee also highlighted that the revised location could benefit around 500,000 people. In addition, officials noted that unused land at Sarai Saleh could be repurposed for other development needs.
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Concerns Over Load Shedding and Transmission Issues
The committee expressed concern over ongoing load shedding, transmission losses, and infrastructure limitations in several regions. Members discussed overloading issues affecting circuits in Larkana, Kamber, and Shahdadkot, which have contributed to frequent power outages.
They also reviewed plans for a proposed 220 KV grid station in Larkana and recommended further examination of related infrastructure, including:
- Replacement of outdated transmission lines
- Installation of 220/132 KV transformers
- Construction of a double-circuit transmission line from Shikarpur to Larkana
- Improvements in voltage stability and power evacuation capacity
Officials from the Power Division said a detailed survey would be conducted, and findings would be presented in the next meeting.
SEPCO and Power Theft Issues Under Review
Members also raised concerns about the Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO). The committee decided to include several issues in its next agenda, including detection charges, electricity theft, and theft of transformers and conductors.
Lawmakers stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to reduce losses and improve recovery rates within the power distribution system.
The committee also directed authorities to provide feeder-wise data on load shedding, electricity theft, and tariff structures in HESCO and SEPCO in line with NEPRA regulations.
Employee Adjustment and Administrative Matters
The meeting further discussed the adjustment of employees from Generation Companies (GENCOs) into Distribution Companies (DISCOs). Members recommended that employees be placed in nearby companies based on their domicile wherever possible.
Officials from the Power Division said any unauthorized promotions or upgrades in distribution companies would be investigated and action would be taken against those responsible.
The committee also deferred discussion on the upgradation of the 132 KV Patan Grid Station in Kohistan for future consideration.
Regulatory Oversight and Next Steps
Lawmakers recommended inviting the Chairman of NEPRA to the next meeting to brief members on the regulatory framework and the current load management situation across the country.
Officials from the Power Division, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Law and Justice, Planning Commission, HAZECO, and PPMC attended the session along with several MNAs.
Conclusion
The committee’s recommendations reflect a renewed focus on strengthening Pakistan’s power infrastructure, improving regulatory oversight, and addressing long-standing issues such as load shedding, transmission inefficiencies, and electricity theft. Lawmakers emphasized that effective reforms and better coordination among institutions are essential to stabilise the country’s energy sector.
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