Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema chaired a meeting in Islamabad on November 10, 2026, to review development programmes for power distribution companies (DISCOs). The session focused on efforts by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to secure funding for installing smart meters on transformers across all DISCOs.
Participants said good progress had been made so far in arranging the funds. The metering system is intended to reduce electricity theft and overbilling.
Funding and privatisation plans for the smart metering project
The meeting also discussed how the project would continue once DISCOs are privatised. Cheema said the government would put arrangements in place so that private investors carry the initiative forward. Officials said smart meters on transformers could improve billing accuracy and protect consumers, while also serving the interests of investors and the government.
Negotiations with multilateral partners on development programmes will continue until privatisation is completed. If a DISCO is sold while talks or programme preparations are underway, the related financing would pass to the private investor during the handover, subject to agreed arrangements.
Safeguards for consumers and regulatory approvals
Cheema stressed that any new project undertaken by a private investor within a DISCO must go through competitive bidding. Where applicable, it must also receive approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
He said the purpose of privatisation was not to push costs or undue pressure onto consumers. The government would facilitate the process, protect consumers and ensure that investors meet their financial and contractual obligations.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation, and senior officials from the relevant ministries also attended the meeting.
