Pakistan, WB discuss feasibility of key transmission line project

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari met World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine and other officials on Friday to discuss the initial feasibility of the Matiari-Moro-Rahim Yar Khan Transmission Line, a critical project aimed at stabilising country’s power grid and enhancing renewable energy integration.

The meeting, which also included experts from the World Bank Group, IFC Country Manager Zeeshan Sheikh, and Minister of State Abdul Rehman Kanju, focused on the project’s role in improving voltage stability and facilitating efficient north-south electricity transmission.

Leghari stressed that under any procurement framework, the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) must retain control over transmission operations, with tariffs governed by NEPRA regulations to ensure financial sustainability.

However, he highlighted the “right of way” issue as a key hurdle, warning that the project’s implementation could not move forward until the challenge was effectively resolved.

Officials discussed various technical and operational aspects of the transmission line, which is considered essential for Pakistan’s long-term energy security and transition to renewable power sources.