Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan, along with representatives of Canadian firm JCM Power, met Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari and sought his support in facilitating the timely issuance of JCM Power’s generation licence and tariff approval, well-informed sources told Business Recorder . In February 2026, the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, seeking assistance in obtaining an update from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) Pakistan regarding the status of final regulatory approval of a bidding process conducted by K-Electric in September 2024. The bidding pertained to a 240 MW hybrid power project awarded to a Canadian clean energy firm.According to the High Commissioner, in May 2025 the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) formally approved the Bid Evaluation Report (BER) and confirmed JCM Power as the successful bidder for the USD250 million investment. Since then, the company and its shareholders including Canada, as well as Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Sweden have been awaiting issuance of the generation licence and tariff determination by the regulator. According to an official statement, during the meeting the High Commissioner appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting a ceasefire in the context of recent US-Iran tensions. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and expressed the hope that it would continue to support the upcoming dialogue process. The Federal Minister urged Canada to play an active role in promoting dialogue and ensuring lasting peace in the region. Discussing the energy sector, the Minister said Pakistan achieved around 55 percent of its energy mix from clean sources last year, reflecting the government’s clear policy direction. He added that steps are being taken to safeguard the power sector from unforeseen challenges and that hydropower capacity will be further expanded to ensure affordable and sustainable electricity. The Minister noted that the government is working to reduce reliance on imported coal and is reviewing plans to shift imported coal-based power plants to local coal. Environmental studies are nearing completion, and if found feasible, the transition will be implemented. He also highlighted efforts to promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at the utility level, adding that private sector investment is being encouraged. A framework is also being developed for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of solar panel waste. The High Commissioner welcomed these initiatives and emphasised the importance of planning for battery disposal in light of the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The Minister further stated that a Time-of-Use tariff would be introduced soon to promote efficient electricity consumption, adding that industrial consumers would benefit from lower costs through optimized usage during specific hours. He remarked that the power sector had faced serious challenges about two years ago, prompting the government to step back from non-essential projects. Reforms are now being implemented based on a least cost and sustainable approach. Investment opportunities were also discussed during the meeting. The High Commissioner noted that JCM Power is keen to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector. The Minister said Pakistan offers strong investment potential, particularly in a competitive electricity market and transmission infrastructure, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment. Both sides agreed to continue engagement at the technical level. The High Commissioner also shared that a Global Energy Show will be held in Canada this summer, offering an opportunity for Pakistani professionals to engage and learn. The Minister welcomed the initiative, noting that such platforms support technology transfer and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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