NA Standing Committee Reviews 40 Power Transmission Projects, Highlights Implementation Delays

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division reviewed progress on ongoing power transmission projects and Pakistan’s export growth strategy during its 16th meeting at Parliament House.

Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, MNA, chaired the meeting in an acting capacity at Committee Room No. 7.

Officials briefed the committee on ongoing and planned transmission projects in the energy and power sector. The briefing covered financing arrangements, implementation progress and expected completion dates.

40 Transmission Projects Underway

The committee was informed that 40 ongoing projects receive financial assistance from international development partners. These include the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, KfW Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The projects fall under 17 loan agreements. So far, approximately 52 per cent of the total agreed loan amount has been disbursed.

The projects cover six major areas, including transmission and distribution system expansion, grid station construction and upgrades, and the CASA-1000 transmission project. Other initiatives aim to strengthen Pakistan’s power transmission infrastructure.

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Officials also identified 38 additional projects in the proposed pipeline. Their expected completion timeline extends to 2036. Meanwhile, completion dates for ongoing projects range from November 2026 to December 2028.

The committee noted the importance of these projects in expanding transmission capacity, improving system reliability and meeting future power sector requirements.

Funding and Approvals Delay Project Execution

Officials highlighted several challenges affecting the timely completion of transmission projects.

One major constraint involves delays in allocating the required rupee cover. These delays affect loan disbursements, the use of available funds and payments under approved project schedules.

Furthermore, transmission line upgrades and reconductoring require suitable shutdown windows. Officials said these activities need careful scheduling during low-load months to minimise disruptions to electricity supplies.

The committee also heard about delays in obtaining approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), particularly for the Tarbela Fifth Extension Project and Jauharabad.

Right-of-Way (RoW) restrictions and pending NOCs from provincial governments have also slowed project execution. In response, Dr Baig assured members that he would raise the outstanding matters with the Government of Sindh to help resolve them.

Security and Coordination Issues Affect Transmission Projects

Coordination with district administrations presents further challenges, particularly when project teams need access to construction sites.

Officials also highlighted security concerns at project locations in Zhob and other parts of Balochistan.

Regarding the CASA-1000 cross-border transmission link, the committee was informed that the associated stations would remain under the contractor’s care and custody until the Afghanistan segment becomes operational. This continues to affect the project’s overall completion and commissioning.

The committee also appreciated the introduction of BEST-PAK Phase-I and STATCOM technology in Pakistan for the first time.

Members recognised their potential to improve power system stability, transmission efficiency and network reliability. They also noted their role in strengthening the capacity of existing infrastructure.

Pakistan Sets US$63 Billion Export Target

The committee also reviewed government measures to reduce dependence on foreign borrowing through higher exports, wider market access and economic diversification.

Officials informed members that Pakistan had set an export target of US$63 billion for FY2028–29.

The committee commended the reported export performance of US$40.4 billion during FY2025–26. However, it also noted that imports reached US$80.9 billion in the same financial year.

Consequently, Pakistan recorded a trade deficit of US$40.5 billion. Workers’ remittances rose to US$41.6 billion, providing significant support to the country’s external account and foreign exchange position.

Government Outlines Export Growth Measures

Officials outlined several policy initiatives aimed at increasing exports and improving the trade balance.

These include expanding access to export financing and reducing the cost of doing business for exporters. The government also plans to promote export-led growth through small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Other measures include pursuing zero-duty market access through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).

The briefing also covered tariff rationalisation, wider access to international markets and implementation of the Strategic Trade Policy Framework for FY2026–2031.

In addition, officials highlighted efforts to identify emerging export opportunities, particularly in the information technology sector. These initiatives aim to diversify Pakistan’s export base, increase foreign exchange earnings and improve the country’s competitiveness in international markets.

The committee stressed that effective implementation, coordination and monitoring would remain essential to achieving the export targets. Members also emphasised sustainable export growth as a way to strengthen foreign exchange earnings and gradually reduce reliance on external borrowing.