Pakistan, Türkiye Agree to Deepen Energy Cooperation, Sign Three MoUs in Istanbul
Istanbul: Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with Türkiye offering technical assistance to help Pakistan address challenges in its power sector and implement key reforms.
The agreement was reached during a high-level inter-ministerial energy consultation held in Istanbul. The Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Leghari and Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, while the meeting was hosted by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar.
The two sides held detailed discussions on reforms and privatization of Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). The consultations focused on restructuring, commercialization, and privatization of Pakistan’s power sector by drawing on international best practices, particularly Türkiye’s successful experience in power sector reforms.
Pakistan reviewed Türkiye’s model for privatizing electricity distribution companies. Minister Awais Leghari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly privatization process, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve governance, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and enhance the performance of distribution companies.
Türkiye offered technical support for Pakistan’s energy sector reforms and pledged to facilitate greater engagement between Turkish companies and Pakistani authorities. Both countries agreed to expand institutional cooperation and encourage Turkish private investment in Pakistan’s power sector.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Türkiye signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between energy-sector institutions to promote long-term cooperation. The agreements include partnerships between ISMO and EPIAŞ, ISMO and TEİAŞ, and PPMC and TEDAŞ.
The MoUs cover collaboration on post-privatization governance frameworks, electricity market development, ancillary services regulations, power system operations, transmission planning, distribution management, and digitalization. The agreements also provide for capacity-building initiatives, technical knowledge exchange, training programs, study visits, and joint projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Awais Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and described the partnerships as important for strengthening Pakistan’s energy institutions. He said Pakistan would benefit from Türkiye’s experience in electricity market reforms, transmission system development, and modernization of the distribution sector.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term strategic partnership in the energy sector aimed at improving financial sustainability, operational efficiency, service delivery, and governance within Pakistan’s power industry.
