Confronting implementation challenges with the landmark CASA-1000 power initiative, Pakistan today proposed the establishment of a broad CASA Energy Market and called for a multi-nation summit with the World Bank to devise a joint strategy to ensure the project”s economic viability.
The proposal was presented by Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, during a high-level meeting in Islamabad with the Minister for Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Ibrarv Taalaibek Omukeevich. Leghari envisioned a regional market, modelled on the European Energy Grid, to allow all participating nations to better harness their renewable and conventional power potential.
Minister Leghari emphasized that a “practical approach” is required to advance the CASA-1000 project, particularly one that accounts for the seasonal availability of inexpensive electricity in Central and South Asia. He urged all partner countries to collaborate closely to finalise the initiative”s details and guarantee its financial sustainability.
Underscoring the critical role of regional stability, the Pakistani minister cited his government”s position that rational connectivity is directly linked to the situation in Afghanistan. He stressed that the success of any regional undertaking depends on close cooperation and requested Kyrgyz assistance in engaging the Afghan side to reduce volatility.
Leghari confirmed that Pakistan”s portion of the CASA-1000 transmission infrastructure is scheduled for completion by mid-2026. With both nations having invested significantly in the initiative, he suggested that all options must be explored to enhance its economic feasibility.
As part of a broader strategy, the Federal Minister put forward a five-point framework for future bilateral energy cooperation. Key points included forming a joint working group on hydropower, undertaking combined efforts to advance CASA-1000, and including Pakistan”s northern areas in feasibility studies for a separate Kyrgyz-China grid interconnection.
The framework also called for exchanging lists of specialised fields to engage Pakistan”s skilled workforce and establishing dedicated joint working groups to drive overall collaboration.
In a significant development, both sides agreed to increase high-level engagements to jointly resolve implementation challenges. They consented to organising an expert-level meeting in Bishkek, set to include participants from Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the World Bank, specifically to formulate a unified strategy forward.
The Kyrgyzstan Minister for Energy, while appreciating the proposals, stated that his country is ready to extend all cooperation to further boost existing ties and agreed to the principle of closer coordination between the two governments.