Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level review meeting on key power and hydel energy projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), stressing faster completion to reduce costs, delays and pressure on public finances.
Officials briefed the minister on 37 critical power sector projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 1.7 trillion. Of this amount, Rs. 1.1 trillion has already been spent up to June 2025, while the remaining throw-forward stands at Rs. 492.4 billion. For FY2025–26, the PSDP allocation is Rs. 104.7 billion, with an additional funding requirement of around Rs. 175 billion indicated in the first quarter.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that regular portfolio reviews are vital to ensure scarce public resources are aligned with national priorities. He directed the Power Division to submit a project-wise breakup along with a three-year financing and execution plan, instructing that near-completion projects be prioritized to quickly convert sunk investments into operational assets.
Major schemes reviewed included the Jamshoro 2x660MW coal power plant, advanced metering and distribution efficiency projects in MEPCO and HESCO, and the 500kV Matiari Moro Rahim Yar Khan transmission line. Hydel and transmission projects such as Dasu transmission lines, Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project, NTDC SCADA upgrades, and power evacuation for the Dasu Hydropower Project (Stage-I) were also discussed.
The minister directed relevant ministries to jointly identify financial, technical and administrative bottlenecks and resolve them on a fast-track basis. He said a disciplined three-year rolling plan would help reduce the throw-forward, contain fiscal pressure, improve energy availability and strengthen investor confidence.