Pakistan, Saudi agree to deepen energy cooperation: Energy minister

WEB DESK: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Leghari said after a meeting with the Saudi Energy Working Group in Riyadh.

Leading a Pakistani delegation, Leghari held talks with the Saudi side on expanding collaboration in the power sector, with both countries agreeing to formulate a roadmap to promote closer cooperation.

The minister assured Saudi investors of the Pakistani government’s full support and facilitation for investment in the country’s energy sector, saying the government is committed to providing a business-friendly environment for private sector participation and foreign investment.

During the meeting, the Saudi delegation was briefed on Pakistan’s smart metering initiative, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and plans to expand the national transmission grid.

Leghari said the digitalisation of the electricity distribution system would help reduce line losses and improve operational efficiency.

He also invited the Saudi Energy Working Group to visit Pakistan to explore investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral engagement.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in energy, power transmission, digitalisation, and smart utility technologies.