The National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division reviewed ongoing and proposed power transmission projects on Wednesday. Chaired by Acting Chairman Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, the meeting focused on identifying implementation bottlenecks and emphasizing export-led growth to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and reduce reliance on foreign borrowing, according to a press release from the National Secretariat.
The Committee was informed that 40 ongoing projects are being implemented under 17 loan agreements with financial assistance from international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Agence Française Development, KfW Development Bank, and Japan International Cooperation Agency. Approximately 52 per cent of the total agreed loan amount has been disbursed. These projects fall into six major categories, such as transmission and distribution system augmentation, construction and upgradation of grid stations, and CASA-1000 and related infrastructure.
While ongoing projects are expected to be completed between November 2026 and December 2028, another 38 projects are in the proposed pipeline with completion timelines extending up to 2036.
During the session, the Committee was apprised of several key implementation challenges. These included delays in the allocation of rupee cover, which affected loan disbursements, utilization, and payments, as well as limited shutdown windows for transmission line augmentation and reconductoring works. Furthermore, the Committee highlighted delays in approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), specifically for the Tarbela 5th Extension Project and Jauharabad, along with right-of-way constraints and pending provincial clearances.
Dr. Baig assured the Committee that he would take up the relevant issues with the government of Sindh to expedite affected projects. The meeting also addressed coordination with district administrations, site-access difficulties, and security concerns in Zhob and other parts of Balochistan. Regarding CASA-1000, the Committee was informed that associated stations would remain under the contractor’s care and custody until the Afghanistan segment becomes operational.






