ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Energy on Wednesday approved the formation of an independent entity to reform Pakistan’s energy market by enabling consumers to purchase power from multiple suppliers, moving away from the current government-controlled system, where it is the sole buyer of electricity.
Pakistan’s energy sector has long struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft and transmission losses, which have led to blackouts and high electricity costs.
The development of the independent market is viewed as a critical step toward addressing these issues by fostering competition, improving transparency and attracting foreign investment, ultimately easing the financial burden on the government and consumers alike.
The committee gave principal approval for the creation of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, though the decision still requires endorsement by the federal cabinet for implementation.
“ISMO will gradually replace the government as the sole buyer of electricity and transition the energy market into a multi-player independent market,” the PM Office said in a statement issued after the meeting. “Consumers will be able to purchase electricity from suppliers other than just distribution companies under this system.”
“This initiative will help establish an efficient, transparent and competitive electricity market in Pakistan,” it added.
The creation of ISMO is also expected to reduce circular debt and stabilize electricity prices.
“The ISMO board will include experts from the energy sector to ensure smooth operations,” the statement informed.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the need to expedite efforts to reduce theft and losses in the electricity sector.
“We are taking priority-based measures to reform Pakistan’s energy sector,” Sharif added.
Pakistan approves new energy market system allowing consumers to choose electricity suppliers
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Pakistan approves new energy market system allowing consumers to choose electricity suppliers
- Cabinet Committee on Energy has approved an independent entity to transition to multi-player electricity market
- The initiative is expected to help address issues like circular debt, power theft and transmission losses in Pakistan
Pakistan to begin first phase of Hajj 2026 trainings from today
- Training programs to be held in phases across Pakistan till February, says religion ministry
- Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has said that it will begin the first phase of mandatory Hajj 2026 training for pilgrims intending to perform the pilgrimage from today, Thursday.
The one-day Hajj training programs will be held in phases across the country at the tehsil level until February. The ministry directed intending pilgrims to bring their original identity cards and the computerized receipt of their Hajj application to attend the training sessions.
“Pilgrims should attend the one-day training program according to their scheduled date,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement.
The ministry said training schedules are being shared through the government’s Pak Hajj 2026 mobile application as well as via SMS. It added that details of the schedule are also available on its website.
According to the ministry, training programs will be held in Abbottabad on Jan. 2; Ghotki, Thatta and Kotli on Jan. 3; and Tando Muhammad Khan and Khairpur on Jan. 4.
Hajj training sessions will be held in Rawalakot, Badin and Naushahro Feroze on Jan. 5, while pilgrims in Fateh Jang, Dadu and Tharparkar will receive the training on Jan. 6.
The ministry said training programs will be conducted in Umerkot and Larkana on Jan. 7, followed by sessions in Mirpurkhas, Shahdadkot and Mansehra on Jan. 8.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has previously said these trainings will be conducted by experienced trainers and scholars using multimedia.
It said the training has been made mandatory to ensure that intending pilgrims are fully aware of Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, of which around 118,000 seats have been reserved under the government scheme, while the remainder will be allocated to private tour operators.
Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 ($4,049.93 to $4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.
