Pakistan and Turkiye signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at promoting institutional cooperation, strengthening technical collaboration and enhancing the exchange of knowledge between their energy sector institutions.

The agreements were signed during high-level consultations held in Istanbul between Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

Two of the MoUs were signed between Pakistan’s Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) and Turkiye’s Energy Exchange (EPIAS) and Transmission System Operator (TEIAS), while a third MoU was signed between Pakistan’s Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and the Turkiye Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAS).

The MoUs cover cooperation on post-privatisation governance frameworks, electricity market development and regulations governing ancillary services. They will also promote training programmes, study visits and joint projects between the relevant institutions.

The Turkish side expressed its commitment to supporting long-term institutional cooperation with Pakistan. Both countries agreed to work on strengthening institutional capacity and facilitating the exchange of technical expertise.

The two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration in power system operations and transmission planning while expanding cooperation in the management and digitalisation of the electricity distribution sector.

Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and termed the bilateral partnerships important for strengthening energy institutions. He described the MoUs as a key outcome of the energy dialogue and a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

The minister said Pakistan would benefit from Turkiye’s experience in electricity market reforms as well as its expertise in transmission system development and the modernisation of the distribution sector.

Earlier, the energy ministers of Pakistan and Turkiye held high-level inter-ministerial consultations on the energy sector. During the consultations, the two sides held detailed discussions on reforms and privatisation of electricity distribution companies.

The meeting aimed to benefit from international experience in the restructuring, commercialisation and privatisation of Pakistan’s power sector. Pakistan reviewed Turkiye’s successful model for the privatisation of electricity distribution companies.

Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly privatisation process. “Reforms in distribution companies, improvements in governance and strengthening of the regulatory framework are under way,” he said.

Turkiye offered technical assistance for reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector and assured support for increasing contacts between Pakistani authorities and Turkish companies. It also agreed to share its experience in privatisation and electricity distribution.

Turkiye expressed support for Pakistan’s power sector reform and privatisation programme, while Turkish investors were invited to invest in Pakistan’s electricity sector. Both sides decided to enhance cooperation aimed at improving the financial sustainability and performance of Pakistan’s power sector. They further agreed to promote a long-term partnership in the energy sector.