ADB Pledges Full Support for Pakistan’s National Energy Policy

Islamabad, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged its unwavering support for the effective implementation of Pakistan’s National Energy Policy, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s energy sector. This assurance came during a meeting between the ADB Country Director, Yong Ye, and Pakistan’s Minister for Power, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, held in Islamabad today. The discussions focused on diversifying Pakistan’s energy mix, streamlining the Power Division, and addressing climate change impacts, with the ADB committing to provide comprehensive support and expertise.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Leghari shared his vision for revamping the Power Division by forming a dedicated team tasked with spearheading effective policy interventions. ADB’s Country Director, Yong Ye, affirmed the bank’s commitment to assist in this transformative journey by facilitating the recruitment of this specialized team with experts from the ADB. The dialogue underscored the importance of leveraging global expertise to navigate the complexities of the energy sector’s reform and to foster sustainable development within the country.

Moreover, the challenges of hill torrents in Punjab were discussed, with Leghari emphasizing the need for ADB’s investment to bolster Pakistan’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. In response, Yong Ye committed to supporting projects aimed at addressing these challenges, highlighting the ADB’s focus on both mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat climate change. The recommendation to hire a transaction advisor for advising on long-term policy initiatives for the sustainable future of Distribution Companies was also discussed, showcasing a proactive approach to ensuring the energy sector’s resilience and efficiency.

This collaboration between Pakistan and the ADB signifies a pivotal move towards achieving a diversified and sustainable energy landscape, with the promise of expert assistance and investment in critical areas of need.