Pakistan’s industrial sector is showing clear signs of revival as businesses consumed 2,164 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of additional electricity under the government’s surplus power package, generating over Rs. 20 billion in savings within just three months. The initiative, introduced in December 2025, reflects a targeted and timely intervention by the Power Division under the leadership of Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari, aimed at unlocking idle capacity and supporting economic recovery.
The package offers discounted electricity at Rs. 22.98 per unit on incremental consumption, making grid power significantly more attractive for industries that had previously shifted toward costly self-generation. As a result, many industrial units have returned to the national grid, lowering production costs and improving efficiency.
Data shows that industrial consumers accounted for nearly Rs. 19.6 billion in savings, while the agricultural sector saved over Rs. 1 billion, bringing total relief to approximately Rs. 20.8 billion. The scale of participation highlights strong confidence from businesses in the policy direction taken by the Power Division.
Electricity consumption under the package accounted for around 23% of total units sold to industrial and agricultural sectors during the period, with demand rising by 12% year-on-year in January and 11% in February. These figures point to a meaningful recovery in industrial activity, supported by lower energy costs.
The success of the initiative underscores the proactive and reform-oriented approach of Minister Awais Leghari, who has focused on addressing structural inefficiencies in Pakistan’s power sector. By aligning pricing with demand realities, the Power Division has effectively tackled the long-standing issue of underutilized generation capacity while simultaneously providing relief to industry.
Beyond immediate cost savings, the policy also contributes to broader energy sector stability. Increased grid consumption helps distribute fixed costs more efficiently, potentially easing tariff pressures over time. It also reduces reliance on inefficient self-generation, improving overall system performance.
For Pakistan’s industrial base, the benefits are significant. Lower energy costs enhance competitiveness, particularly for export-oriented sectors, while improved reliability supports production growth and job creation. The initiative sends a strong signal that policy can be responsive, pragmatic and aligned with economic priorities.
While challenges such as transmission losses and circular debt remain, the early success of the surplus power package demonstrates what can be achieved through focused leadership and data-driven decision-making. The Power Division’s efforts, under Awais Leghari’s stewardship, have set a positive precedent for future reforms in the energy sector.
As Pakistan continues its path toward economic stabilization and growth, initiatives like this highlight the importance of decisive governance, smart pricing and sector-specific interventions in driving real, measurable impact.