Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has termed the declaration of the Competitive Market Operations Date (CMOD) by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) a major milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing power sector reforms.
In a statement on Tuesday, the minister said the move marks a transition from the traditional single-buyer model to a competitive, transparent, and market-based electricity system.
Leghari noted that the announcement signals a shift from reform design to implementation, paving the way for a more efficient and accountable power market. The new framework is built on principles of transparency, open access to the transmission network, and non-discriminatory participation across the electricity value chain.
As part of a phased liberalization plan, the government has approved the transfer of 800 megawatts of electricity demand to bilateral contracts. These will be executed through transparent and automated competitive auctions over the coming years.
Leghari credited the progress to coordinated efforts among key institutions, including the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division, NEPRA, the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G), the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), and distribution companies (DISCOs).
He said the development reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to improving governance, ensuring financial sustainability, and boosting investor confidence in the energy sector.
The minister added that the government’s priority going forward is to build a reliable, efficient, and future-ready electricity market that promotes innovation, supports clean energy adoption, and contributes to long-term economic growth.
