The LUMS Energy Institute (LEI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), organized a one-day workshop in Lahore to train journalists on the fundamentals of Pakistan’s power sector.
The initiative aimed to improve media understanding of energy issues and promote accurate public communication.
The workshop titled “Training Media Personnel on Power Sector Fundamentals” was held at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
It brought together journalists from leading print, electronic, and digital media outlets, along with students of media sciences.
Participants were given a detailed overview of Pakistan’s electricity system, including generation, transmission, distribution, tariff structures, subsidies, circular debt, distributed solar, and ongoing market reforms.
In his closing remarks, Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari emphasized that media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding of the power sector.
He said many misconceptions about the sector arise from incomplete or inaccurate information, adding that half-baked analysis often distorts the real picture.
The minister stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and factual communication regarding energy policies and reforms.
Key energy reforms and policy updates
The minister announced that the government plans to shift 10 million electricity consumers to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters within the current year.
He also stated that no new imported fuel-based Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will be established going forward.
Sardar Awais Leghari said agreements with most IPPs have already been renegotiated.
He added that, through policy reforms and planning, around PKR 3.5 trillion in savings are expected for electricity consumers over the next 10 to 15 years.
The minister further said that the new solar policy will not slow down solar adoption in the country.
He reaffirmed government support for battery energy storage systems and said efforts are underway to ensure more affordable electricity for industrial and commercial users during daytime hours.
Technical sessions were conducted by leading energy experts, including:
- Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman Board of Directors, National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC) and Senior Advisor at LEI
- Naveed Qaiser, Chief Corporate Finance and Regulatory Affairs, Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC)
- Umer Farooq, System Planning Consultant, Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO)
- Omer Haroon Malik, Executive Director (Market Operations), ISMO
Experts explained key topics such as power system capacity, dispatch mechanisms, tariff design, subsidies, circular debt, distributed solar, and future electricity market reforms.
Demand management
Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry highlighted that demand-side management and efficient electricity use are critical for addressing Pakistan’s long-term energy challenges.
He stressed the importance of media capacity building to ensure accurate reporting on complex energy issues.
He also emphasized the role of LUMS Energy Institute in supporting evidence-based policymaking and practical solutions for the energy sector.
A detailed question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with experts.
Journalists discussed key challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s power sector and gained deeper insights into ongoing reforms.
Energy Advisor to the Power Division, Syed Faizan Ali, presented a briefing titled “Future of Pakistan’s Power Sector: Government Vision and Strategic Priorities.”
He outlined key initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, affordability, and long-term sustainability in the energy sector.
