Punjab Advances Power Sector Reforms Under Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar

LAHORE, September 29, 2026 (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

A high-level meeting was held at the Punjab Energy Department under the chairmanship of Provincial Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar to review Punjab’s potential participation in Pakistan’s first 400-MW Wheeling Auction and discuss a strategic framework for the Competitive Electricity Market and Open Access Wheeling.
Speaking at the meeting, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said Open Access Wheeling was an important step towards developing a more transparent, competitive and dynamic electricity market in Pakistan.
He said Punjab’s potential participation in the process was aimed at advancing modern reforms in the energy sector and exploring new opportunities to provide industrial consumers with reliable electricity at competitive rates.
The Provincial Energy Minister said Punjab was taking steps to derive greater economic benefits from its growing Clean Energy Portfolio and introduce energy-sector reforms in line with modern requirements. He said the Competitive Electricity Market and Open Access Wheeling could provide industrial and commercial consumers with opportunities to access alternative energy sources at competitive rates, while also encouraging investment and clean energy projects across the province.

He further said the Punjab Government was taking practical measures to promote industrial growth, investment and economic activity through sustainable, transparent and economically efficient policies in the energy sector.
Managing Director Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB) Saniya Owais briefed the meeting on the Wheeling Auction, Open Access Wheeling, electricity tariffs, grid charges and other related matters.
The meeting reviewed various aspects of Punjab’s potential participation, including expected electricity prices, grid charges, commercial and financial viability, risk factors and bidding strategy.
Measures to ensure Punjab’s effective participation in the Competitive Electricity Market were also discussed. For this purpose, Punjab Financial Advisory Services (PFAS) has been engaged as an external financial advisor to assist in evaluating the financial, commercial and economic aspects of Punjab’s potential participation in the Wheeling Auction.
Secretary Energy Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Additional Secretary Development Shahid Farooq, Additional Secretary Administration Rai Muhammad Yasir Bhatti, Chief Energy Power Muhammad Yasin, Managing Director PPDB Saniya Owais, CEO PTPL Salman Zakaria, CEO PEECA Abdul Rehman and CEO PPDCL Adnan Mudassar attended the meeting.