Owais Laghari Announces Upcoming Net Metering Reforms, Highlights Pakistan’s Renewable Energy Progress
ISLAMABAD: **Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Owais Ahmed Khan Laghari**, has announced that reforms related to **net metering** will be introduced in the coming weeks, during his address at the **Asia Energy Summit** organized by LUMS University.
Speaking at the summit, Laghari emphasized that Pakistan is transforming its power sector to be **fully digital, transparent, and consumer-friendly**. He stated that by **2035, Pakistan aims to generate 90% of its electricity from clean and green energy**, calling the country’s solar revolution a global example, noting that **50 gigawatts of solar panels have been installed by the public themselves**.
He highlighted that **52% of Pakistan’s current electricity is generated from clean energy**, marking a historic milestone. The minister added that **DISCO privatization and reduction of circular debt** are key priorities. He also pointed out that while developing countries emit less, they bear the brunt of climate impacts.
Laghari described Asia as the hub of **energy transition**, with 48% of global energy consumption in the region. Pakistan has become one of the fastest-growing solar markets in Asia, importing **17 gigawatts of solar energy**. He noted efforts in **Balochistan to solarize tube wells**, addressing both water and energy crises.
He further explained that consumers have been **empowered with their own meters and reading apps**, making energy management more efficient. Laghari stressed that energy transition is crucial for both **environmental and economic survival**, highlighting that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions but is among the **top 10 countries at risk from climate change**.
The minister added that **global energy diplomacy is rapidly changing**, and Asia must play a leading role. He also noted that renewable energy investments in Asia have increased by **900%**, making the region a global leader.
Regarding policy updates, Laghari said that **CTBCM policy approval has been submitted** and will become operational in the **first quarter of next year**, alongside the forthcoming **net metering reforms**.
