PM orders two-hour cap on load-shedding

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a two-hour limit on electricity load-shedding across various cities in Pakistan on Friday during an important review meeting on power load management. The PM expressed dissatisfaction over the situation, stating no area should face load-shedding for longer than two hours. The meeting was informed that reduced electricity generation due to regional tensions, the Strait of Hormuz, and difficulties in Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas supply had necessitated load management measures.

The PM ordered the establishment of Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees at power distribution companies, including public representation, to address public complaints within a week. He directed that electricity consumers could file complaints via a helpline number 118, receiving a token number and expected resolution time. Agriculture was also a key focus, with the PM emphasizing coordinated measures to increase per-acre productivity, introduce innovation, develop the livestock sector, and promote agricultural exports.

Commercial officers at Pakistan's missions abroad were tasked with promoting agricultural exports, and a media campaign was ordered to raise awareness among farmers about a mobile application for crop monitoring. Value addition in agricultural products was highlighted as crucial for boosting exports. The agriculture sector's contribution to Pakistan's economy was acknowledged, and proposals were made for its development and promotion of agricultural exports.

The meeting informed that Pakistan's agricultural exports were valued at US$5.18 billion last year, with major exports including rice, fisheries, halal meat, potatoes, sesame, tobacco, mangoes, and maize. The National Agriculture and Food Security Council was established, with chief ministers representing their provinces. A Digital Farmers Diary-Agri Stack was proposed, digitizing farmers' records, soil and water testing, and developing a Pakistan-Good Agriculture Practices (Pak-GAP) system to promote better agricultural practices. Facilities for agricultural financing were also proposed to support exporters in the sector.