Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 project, describing it as a cornerstone of regional energy cooperation and integration.
Speaking virtually at the Intergovernmental Council meeting of the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) power transmission initiative, Leghari announced that Pakistan is prepared to supply surplus electricity to partner countries during the winter season via the CASA-1000 network. The project connects the power grids of Central and South Asia, allowing electricity trade between the regions.
“This initiative goes beyond electricity—it’s a bridge for regional harmony, development, and shared prosperity,” said Leghari, highlighting its strategic importance.
He emphasized that the project aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s broader vision of energy reform and regional connectivity, noting that its timely completion is a top government priority.
Leghari expressed concern over delays in the project’s implementation and urged the World Bank to address the financial challenges caused by these setbacks. He also proposed launching technical-level talks with regional stakeholders on “Reverse Power” — a mechanism that would allow electricity to flow from South Asia to Central Asia during periods of surplus.
“Pakistan has shouldered the financial and logistical impact of delays while ensuring the protection and upkeep of critical infrastructure,” he stated. Leghari added that enabling reverse electricity flows would enhance regional cooperation and allow Pakistan to share its winter surplus with energy-deficient Central Asian states.
He concluded by stressing that CASA-1000 has the potential to transform the regional energy landscape, serving as a model for sustainable economic integration and energy security across Central and South Asia.
