ADB says ready to support new initiatives in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed interest in supporting new initiatives in Pakistan, including digitisation, integrated planning, data governance, privatization, and institutional reforms in the power sector. This was conveyed by ADB Country Director Emma Xiaoqin Fan during a meeting with Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, where ongoing reforms and future cooperation in the energy sector were discussed. Emma Fan acknowledged the government’s proactive measures, noting that recent reforms have strengthened the resilience of Pakistan’s power sector and contributed to overall economic stability. She said ADB is keen to further engage by supporting initiatives such as digitisation, integrated system planning, improved data governance, privatization, and institutional capacity building. READ MORE: CPS 2026-30 for Pakistan launched: ADB outlines 5-year roadmap She added that ADB is already providing technical assistance for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and is conducting studies on the impact of rooftop solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The bank is also facilitating capacity-building programs, including specialised training opportunities in Korea for power sector professionals. The minister emphasised that the selection process for such training programs should be transparent and merit-based, adding that skilled professionals are essential for driving institutional reforms. Emma Fan also shared that an ADB Vice President is expected to visit Pakistan later this month. Highlighting recent developments, Awais Leghari said Pakistan’s power sector has demonstrated resilience despite global energy challenges, attributing this to increased reliance on indigenous resources such as local coal, hydel, and solar energy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the share of domestic energy sources to ensure affordable electricity. The minister underscored the importance of the National Grid Company and sought ADB’s support for its restructuring. He noted that the government has engaged the Pakistan Business Council to promote private sector investment in transmission, adding that focus will increasingly shift towards transmission following privatization efforts. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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