ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, has proposed the establishment of a Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) energy market, aimed at fostering closer energy ties between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.
The initiative, inspired by the European energy grid, seeks to enhance the region’s ability to fully harness its renewable and conventional energy resources.
Leghari made the proposal during a meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Minister, Ibrarv Taalaibek Omukeevich, in Islamabad. He highlighted the importance of cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the CASA-1000 power supply project, which promises affordable electricity through seasonal availability. The project’s Pakistani segment is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
The minister outlined a five-point framework for future energy cooperation, including joint working groups for hydropower projects, collaboration on CASA-1000, and exploring feasibility studies for a Kyrgyz-China transmission project that could involve northern Pakistan. Both sides agreed to increase high-level engagements and hold a joint expert meeting in Bishkek with participants from Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the World Bank.
In a separate engagement, Leghari met with a Canadian delegation led by High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan. The discussions focused on investment opportunities in Pakistan’s transmission sector, with a specific emphasis on network upgrades and modern technologies. Leghari also highlighted ongoing renewable energy projects, including a solar initiative in Gilgit-Baltistan, as key investment avenues.
Both sides agreed to enhance technical cooperation and share project details to promote Canadian investment in Pakistan’s growing energy sector.