Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, proposed the creation of a CASA regional energy market, modelled on the European Energy Grid, to strengthen power connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asian states. The proposal was put forward during a meeting in Islamabad with Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister for Energy, Ibrarv Taalaibek Omukeevich, as both sides reviewed progress on the CASA-1000 project.
Welcoming his counterpart, Leghari stressed the need for a practical and economically viable approach that aligns with the seasonal availability of affordable electricity in the region. He urged all participating countries to work collectively to finalise the project’s remaining components and ensure long-term sustainability. He noted Pakistan’s section of CASA-1000 is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and emphasised exploring all avenues to improve the project’s financial feasibility.
