Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday gave in-principle approval to a framework for a comprehensive National Energy Plan, ordering close coordination between federal ministries and provincial governments to deliver a unified energy strategy.

Chairing a review meeting on recommendations of the Cabinet sub-committee on energy, the prime minister also approved the creation of a dedicated secretariat to oversee the plan’s formulation and implementation, according to a Prime Minister’s Office statement.

He directed that the plan focus on supplying electricity to industries at the lowest possible cost while improving services for domestic consumers.

The prime minister approved framework guidelines for auctioning wheeling charges to promote transparency and efficiency in power transmission.

PM Shehbaz ordered that proposals from the ministries of climate change, finance, industries and production, and petroleum be fully incorporated into the plan. He also issued special instructions to accelerate the privatisation of power distribution companies (DISCOs).

Referring to recent progress, the prime minister said reforms in the transmission system had produced visible improvements, adding that better coordination among institutions had enhanced electricity services for both households and industry.

He stressed that competitive power tariffs were essential to expanding industrial output and strengthening the economy.

Officials told the meeting that initial consultations with all relevant ministries were already underway for finalising the National Energy Plan.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, provincial chief secretaries and senior officials.