ISLAMABAD: Energy Minister Sardar Awais Leghari has strongly reacted to the recent statement of former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, saying that his claims are contrary to facts and baseless. He said the government is pursuing innovative and effective policies in the energy sector, including measures to promote net metering and renewable energy.
In his statement, Awais Leghari explained that the government has provided many facilities to attract the people towards solar panels, as a result of which 4,000 megawatts of electricity has been added to the national grid through net metering. He added that in the coming years, this quantity will increase to 12,000 MW, which will benefit the consumers in the long run. According to him, customers will get their investment back in three to four years, which is an excellent return for any investment.
The Energy Minister emphasized that the main purpose of the adjustment of net metering prices is to reduce unnecessary pressure on the national grid and the country’s economy. He also hinted at utilising the savings of more than Rs 1500 billion accrued as a result of revision in IPPs contracts to reduce power prices.
Awais Leghari also rejected Miftah Ismail’s criticism of the shortage and export of sugar, saying that the government has taken timely decisions to ensure the availability of sugar and wheat. He accused the former finance minister of trying to politicise economic issues, which are not in favour of the people. According to him, the government’s policies are aimed at providing relief to the people and stabilising the economy, while unjustified criticism amounts to mere political point-scoring.
