Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Agree to Boost Energy Cooperation, Explore Power Sector Investments

Both sides pledged to maintain close coordination and convert the discussions

By News Desk On Jul 13, 2026

ISLAMABAD/RIYADH: (Staff Reporter) – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with a focus on power transmission, grid modernization, digitalization, and investment opportunities during a high-level meeting held in Riyadh on Monday.

The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, met members of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Energy Working Group, including Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, to discuss bilateral collaboration and the future of the energy sector.

During the meeting, Minister Leghari briefed the Saudi side on Pakistan’s ongoing power sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening governance, accelerating digital transformation, and ensuring financial sustainability. He highlighted the government’s commitment to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign investment.

The minister presented investment opportunities in Pakistan’s power transmission infrastructure, emphasizing the need to expand the national grid to meet growing electricity demand and support the integration of clean energy.

A key focus of the discussions was Pakistan’s digitalization programme, including the rollout of Smart Metering and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Leghari said these initiatives would help reduce technical and commercial losses, improve operational efficiency, and enhance consumer services.

Reaffirming the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the minister invited the Saudi Energy Working Group to visit Pakistan to witness ongoing reforms and explore investment opportunities in transmission infrastructure, digitalization, and smart utility technologies.

Both sides pledged to maintain close coordination and convert the discussions into practical partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, energy security, and regional cooperation.

The meeting concluded with both countries expressing a shared commitment to building a resilient and technology-driven energy future through enhanced bilateral collaboration.