ISLAMABAD: As the National Assembly debated energy, Federal Minister Owais Leghari did more than answer questions. The aim was to demystify the complexities of Pakistan’s power sector and portray a government committed to concrete solutions over political rhetoric. He contrasted his administration’s “improved performance” with the opposition’s increasingly “irrelevant” stance, saying, “Aslam Ghuman has been talking about IPPs for a year, but as the Chinese proverb goes, you cannot talk about the ocean with a frog in a well.” Leghari’s message was clear: while some remain confined to a narrow perspective, the government is navigating the vast ocean of energy reforms.
The minister unveiled a quiet revolution in the agricultural heartland of Balochistan. He revealed that 13,600 of the 27,000 tubewells serving the farming community have already been successfully solarized. This was not a project burdened by red tape or middlemen. Leghari emphasized that it was achieved “without any commissions, vendors, or bureaucratic hurdles,” a testament to the direct action taken to empower local communities.
Perhaps the most impactful revelation for the average Pakistani consumer was that Rs110 billion in overbilled charges was refunded. This is not just a refund. This is a powerful statement of accountability and a direct financial benefit to households. Looking to the future, Leghari announced a strategic shift: “We have stopped the government from buying electricity in the future.” This bold move signals a conscious shift toward greater energy independence and less dependence on external power sources.
Even in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is often associated with power problems, Leghari highlighted significant progress. He pointed out that 100 percent power is now available on 35 percent of feeders, especially for those who make regular payments. He concluded on a defiant note, challenging the perception: “People of Dera Ghazi Khan have never been called thieves,” suggesting that honest consumers, regardless of the area, deserve uninterrupted power. Leghari’s address highlighted a government that is trying to move beyond blame, instead focusing on practical solutions that bring light and stability to the nation.
