Pakistan, Türkiye Agree to Expand Energy Cooperation; Ankara Offers Support for Power Sector Reforms
Islamabad/Istanbul: Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector during a high-level inter-ministerial meeting held in Istanbul, with Türkiye offering technical assistance to help Pakistan reform its power sector and address energy-related challenges.
The meeting was held at the invitation of Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The Pakistani delegation was led by Energy Minister Sardar Awais Leghari and Privatization Adviser Muhammad Ali.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed reforms and privatization plans for Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). Pakistan examined Türkiye’s successful model for power distribution privatization and sought to benefit from its experience in restructuring and commercializing the power sector.
Awais Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly privatization process, noting that efforts are underway to improve governance, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and implement reforms across distribution companies.
Türkiye offered technical support for Pakistan’s energy sector reforms and assured greater engagement between Turkish companies and Pakistani authorities. Turkish officials also pledged to share their expertise in privatization and electricity distribution management.
The two countries agreed to enhance institutional cooperation in the energy sector, encourage Turkish private investment in Pakistan’s power industry, and exchange expertise on governance, regulation, and best practices in privatization. Both sides also agreed to work together to improve the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of Pakistan’s power sector.
Three Memorandums of Understanding Signed
During the meeting, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between energy-sector institutions of Pakistan and Türkiye to strengthen institutional collaboration.
The agreements include:
An MoU between ISMO and EPIAŞ.
An MoU between ISMO and TEİAŞ.
An MoU between PPMC and TEDAŞ.
The agreements cover cooperation on post-privatization governance frameworks, electricity market development, ancillary service regulations, power system operations, transmission planning, electricity distribution management, digitalization, capacity building, and technical knowledge sharing.
Speaking on the occasion, Awais Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and described the partnership as an important step toward 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. According to the minister, enhanced cooperation between institutions will facilitate the exchange of practical knowledge and operational expertise, leading to improvements in efficiency, service delivery, and governance.
Turkish officials also expressed support for long-term institutional cooperation, stating that the agreements would pave the way for joint technical initiatives, expert exchanges, training programs, study visits, and collaborative projects in the energy sector.
