The Minister of Energy, Awais Ahmad Leghari, rejected the recent recent remarks of the former Minister of Finance, Miftah Ismail, on energy policies as “deceptive and baseless”, accusing him of presenting incorrect statistics to deceive the public.
Responding to Ismail criticisms, Leghari stressed that the government remains determined to promote renewable energies as a key priority.
“The government has encouraged the public to adopt solar energy. Following changes in net measurement regulations, solar energy costs have decreased. Consequently, more than 4,000 megawatts of solar electricity have already been integrated into the national network,” he said.
For the future, the minister has planned that over the next eight years, the capacity of the net solar measure would exceed 12,000 megawatts. “Future consumers of solar net measurement will recover their investment in three to four years, making it a very profitable business,” he added.
Leghari said that existing net measurement contracts would remain intact at their original rates. He also pointed out that several countries around the world adjust net measurement prices to avoid undue pressure on national networks and economies.
By approaching the agreements of the electricity sector, he stressed that the government has succeeded in renegocating the contracts of independent electricity producer (PPI) by mutual consensus.
“These revisions have given financial advantages exceeding 1,500 billion rupees, which will soon be transmitted to the public by reduced electricity rates,” he said.
He highlighted Pakistan’s progress in renewable energies, noting that more than 55% of the national network power last year came from clean sources, in particular hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind and nuclear energy.
“In the years to come, the share of clean and green energy will increase to 85%, which is an important step that we should be proud of,” he said.
Leghari has also criticized Ismail declarations concerning exports and sugar shortages, saying that the government had taken a timely measure to stabilize the supply of sugar and wheat.
“It is regrettable that a former Minister of Finance politicizes economic challenges instead of recognizing the measures taken to ensure market stability,” he said.
He also noted that significant reforms have been introduced in the energy, agriculture and economy sectors. “The power sector, in particular, has undergone the most reforms. Not recognizing these achievements is very unfortunate,” he added.
Leghari condemned Ismail’s remarks as “irresponsible”, the pressing to refrain from making complaints without supporting data.
“The baseless statements without factual support poorly reflect another person who has occupied a key economic position. Instead of criticism for criticism, we welcome constructive suggestions that can contribute to the country’s progress,” he concluded.