ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that privatisation and outsourcing of power distribution companies is top priority of government.

Speaking to delegation of foreign experts in energy sector, led by former Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri at PM House, he said that Pakistan wants to take benefit from Georgian experience in energy sector. He said that government is bringing reforms in energy sector to reduce electricity charges. He said that that circular debt, line losses and electricity theft are major challenges in Pakistan's energy sector. Emphasising importance of energy sector for country's economic growth and development, he expressed his government's commitment to implementing policies that reduce circular debt and improve the efficiency of electricity bill collection. He expressed his government's desire to promote alternative energy sources, particularly solar energy and reduce reliance on expensive energy sources. He said government would also promote public private partnership in energy sector.  PM directed ministers to consult with delegation regarding basic reforms of energy sector in country and to set up comprehensive strategy regarding these reforms immediately.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Power Minisetr Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik and relevant high officials attended meeting.