Premier okays changes to National Electricity Plan

• Orders monthly reviews to monitor implementation of National Youth Employment Policy
• Directs Ministry of Religious Affairs to make comprehensive arrangements for pilgrims for Haj 2027

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz on Tue­sday approved a series of amendments to the Nati­onal Electricity Plan 2023-27 and a high-level design report for the Integrated Energy Plan 2027-60.

The prime minister accorded his approval to the decisions while presiding over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy at the Prime Minister’s House. While approving the amendments, the prime minister directed that further consultations be held with the Khyber Pakht­unkhwa government and the National Electric Pow­er Regulatory Authority (Nepra) before their impl­e­m­entation.

The Power Division presented the proposed amen­dments to the National Electricity Plan, which cover integrated energy planning, enhancement of power generation, supply of renewable energy to remote areas, cross-border electricity trade, expansion of the transmission network, tariff design, ele­ctricity conservation, system and market operati­ons, risk identification and administrative matters.

The amendments also address improving local capacity for fuel and technology, along with research, development and digitisation in the power sector.

The committee also approved the High-Level Design Report for the Integrated Energy Plan 2027-2060, submitted by the Power Division. Officials briefed the meeting that the plan would incorporate stakeholders beyond the federal and provincial governments, with the objective of ensuring energy security and economic competitiveness in Pakistan’s power and energy sector.

Under the plan, a strategy will be devised to supply electricity to industrial and domestic consumers at reasonable rates, while promoting low-carbon energy and environmentally and climate-friendly power-generation sources.

Circular debt position

Meanwhile, the Power Division apprised the Cabinet Committee on Energy of the circular debt position in the power sector for fiscal year 2025-26, while the Petroleum Division presented a report on circular debt in the gas sector for the same period.

Separately, chairing a meeting on the National Youth Policy (NYP), Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to give special attention to equipping young people, particularly women, with skills to ensure their participation in new employment opportunities.

He stressed the need to give special attention to providing employment opportunities to young people across the country, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister said a review meeting on progress regarding the implementation of the National Youth Employment Policy should be held every month.

“Providing dignified employment to the country’s skilled and talented youth is among the government’s top priorities,” the prime minister said, adding that the launch of the country’s first National Youth Employment Policy by the government reflected its sincere efforts.

He emphasised that inter-ministerial cooperation and a comprehensive strategy were essential for implementing initiatives under the policy.

He also issued special directions to launch an awareness campaign aimed at informing young people about the benefits available to them under the policy.

Youth Development Cells are being established in educational institutions. These cells will provide young people with guidance and career counselling, while also informing them about employment and skills-development opportunities, the meeting was informed.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure effective and comprehensive arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims and provide them with the best possible facilities during Haj 2027.

Meeting Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to complete all necessary measures well in time to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims and ensure a smooth and comfortable Haj experience.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2026